Holding steady.
Popularity of Mitsuo since 1912
Babies named Mitsuo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 124 |
| 1920s | 321 |
| 1930s | 71 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Mitsuo is a traditional Japanese name that saw its highest usage in the United States during the 1920s, peaking in 1925. Although it has never ranked among the top names nationally, it reflects a period of increased Japanese immigration and cultural presence. The name's trajectory has been stable in recent decades, maintaining a small but consistent presence. Its meaning depends on the kanji selection, offering interpretations such as 'third son' or 'light.' Parents today choosing Mitsuo may appreciate its connection to Japanese heritage and its distinctive sound.
Mitsuo is a Japanese masculine name formed from various kanji combinations. The first element 'mitsu' can mean 'light' (光), 'third' (三), or 'full' (満), while 'o' (夫, 男, 雄) means 'husband,' 'man,' or 'male.' The name has been in use since at least the early 20th century in Japan, with peak popularity in the 1920s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mitsu, Mi-chan
Variants: Mitsuwo, Mitsuhiko
Sibling names for Mitsuo
Names that share Mitsuo's style, for a brother or sister.
