"bright, clear second child"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Jiro
A timeless Japanese classic meaning the second, beloved son
Japanese
Classic
Traditional
Strong
Minimalist
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Jiro
Jiro is a classic Japanese masculine name made up of two kanji: ji (second, next) and ro (son, bright, clear). The -ro suffix is one of the most traditional elements in Japanese male names, also seen in names like Taro (first son), Saburo (third son), and Shiro (fourth son). This naming tradition of numbering sons reflects the historical Japanese emphasis on birth order and family succession.
Jiro has been a common name in Japan for centuries and remains in use today, though the tradition of birth-order names has softened in modern Japan. The name gained global recognition through Jiro Ono, the legendary sushi master featured in the 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi.
In traditional Japanese culture, naming sons by birth order (Taro, Jiro, Saburo) was a practical and meaningful tradition. The second son (Jiro) was expected to support the eldest, and this name carries an implicit sense of dependability and quiet strength.
Fun Facts
- Jiro Ono, the world-famous sushi master, has been perfecting his craft for over 75 years and earned 3 Michelin stars at his tiny Tokyo restaurant
- The kanji for Jiro (jiro) follows the classic Japanese pattern of naming sons by birth order: Taro (1st), Jiro (2nd), Saburo (3rd)
Jiro in Other Languages
Korean
Jiro
Chinese
Jiro
English
Jiro
Japanese
Jiro
Popularity Over Time
#6,488
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Jiro
J
Jiro Tanaka
Musician
1984
Drummer for the Japanese rock band GLAY, one of Japan's best-selling bands
J
Jiro Ono
Other
1925
World-renowned Japanese sushi master featured in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi; earned 3 Michelin stars for his T...
World-renowned Japanese sushi master featured in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi; earned 3 Michelin stars for his Tokyo restaurant
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,488
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ji
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Japanese)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jiro
What does the name Jiro mean?
"bright, clear second child" (from Japanese). Jiro is a classic Japanese masculine name made up of two kanji: ji (second, next) and ro (son, bright, clear). The -ro suffix is one of the most traditional elements in Japanese male names, also seen in names like Taro (first son), Saburo (third son), and Shiro (fourth son). This naming tradition of numbering sons reflects the historical Japanese emphasis on birth order and family succession.
What is the origin of the name Jiro?
Jiro has Japanese origins. In Japanese, it means "bright, clear second child".
Is Jiro a boy or girl name?
Jiro is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Jiro?
Jiro is currently ranked #6488 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jiro?
Common nicknames for Jiro include Ji.
What are good middle names for Jiro?
Popular middle name pairings include Jiro Kenji, Jiro Takeshi, Jiro Hiroshi, Jiro Masao, Jiro Kazuki, and Jiro Ryota.
What are good sibling names for Jiro?
Names that pair well with Jiro as siblings include Ichiro, Saburo, Hana, Yuki, Mitsuki, and Naomi.
How many syllables does Jiro have?
Jiro has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jiro a common or rare name?
Jiro is an uncommon name, ranked #6488 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Jiro
Jiro is a boy name with Japanese origins . The name means "bright, clear second child" in Japanese .
Jiro is currently ranked #6,488 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Jiro has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jiro include Ji. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Jiro include Jiraiya, Jireh, Jiren . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.