Holding steady.
Popularity of Tetsuo since 1915
Babies named Tetsuo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 49 |
| 1920s | 179 |
| 1930s | 35 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tetsuo is a Japanese name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1915, reflecting early 20th-century Japanese immigration. Its peak year came in 1924, after which usage remained stable but very low. The name never entered the national top 1000 and has a 1-in-N value that is undefined due to rarity, underscoring its position as a distinctive choice. While born by notable figures in Japanese culture, its recognition in the West owes much to the character Tetsuo Shima from the 1988 film 'Akira', which introduced the name to a global audience. For families seeking a name with philosophical depth and Japanese heritage, Tetsuo offers a strong, meaningful option that remains uncommon in English-speaking countries.
Tetsuo is a Japanese masculine given name composed of the kanji 哲 (tetsu, 'philosophy, wisdom') and 雄 (o, 'male, hero'). It has been used in Japan since at least the early 20th century, with recorded births in the United States from 1915 reflecting immigration from Japan. The name gained some international recognition through cultural exports, notably the 1988 anime film 'Akira' whose protagonist is named Tetsuo Shima.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tetsu, Tets
Sibling names for Tetsuo
Names that share Tetsuo's style, for a brother or sister.
