Declining since 1990, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Sho since 1923
Babies named Sho per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 8 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 55 |
| 1990s | 129 |
| 2000s | 111 |
| 2010s | 112 |
| 2020s | 46 |
Meaning & origin
Sho is a Japanese name of uncertain derivation, often written with kanji that suggest soaring or brightness. It has been used since at least 1923, when it first appeared in U.S. records. Its popularity peaked in 1990, but has been falling steadily since then, reflecting its rarity in English-speaking contexts. In 2025, approximately 1 in 213,510 baby boys received the name, placing it at rank 8910. Despite its low overall usage, Sho remains a distinctive choice for families seeking a short, internationally recognizable name with cultural depth.
Sho is a Japanese name that can be written with various kanji characters, each carrying different meanings. Common interpretations include 翔 (shō, 'to fly, to soar'), 昇 (shō, 'to ascend, to rise'), or 昭 (shō, 'bright, clear'). As a given name, it has been used in Japan since the early 20th century, though it remains uncommon in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Shou
Sibling names for Sho
Names that share Sho's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Yuki, Sakura, Miyuki, Akira, Hana, Ayaka, Ayari, Kaida, Kiko, Saori, Daiya, Hanya, Kameko, Nao, Toshie
Brothers: Ken, Ryo, Taro, Hiroshi, Jun, Akari, Haru, Hayato, Kenta, Koji, Kou, Kyo, Maki, Sakai, Satoru, Takumi, Yoshi, Yusuke, Iwao, Koki, Mitsuru, Daisuke, Keisuke, Kohei, Ryosuke, Takuma, Takuya
