Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Kotaro

      Origin

      Japanese

      Meaning

      Shine, Cultivate, Thick

      Variations

      Hotaru, Katara, Koharu
      The name Kotaro, originating from Japanese, carries a rich history and meaning. It derives from two kanji characters: ko meaning shine or bright, and taro, a common suffix for masculine names meaning thick or cultivate. As such, Kotaro encapsulates the essence of brightness, cultivation, and thickness.

      In its historical context, the name Kotaro has been documented in Japanese folklore and literature, often representing characters who possess vibrant personalities and are associated with thriving endeavors. These tales highlight the significance of cultivating one's potential and achieving greatness, reflecting the name's inherent meaning. Moreover, in ancient Japan, it was common for parents to carefully select names for their children that encompassed positive attributes, such as brightness and prosperity, in the hopes of influencing their future endeavors.

      In modern-day usage, the name Kotaro continues to be popular among Japanese parents seeking a name that exudes strength and vitality. It is commonly given to newborn boys, symbolizing the hopes and aspirations parents hold for their children. Furthermore, the name Kotaro has gained recognition beyond Japan's borders, thanks to increased cultural exchanges and the fascination with Japanese culture worldwide. As a result, it is not uncommon to encounter individuals outside of Japan bearing the name Kotaro, embodying its meaningful origins and cultural significance.

      Based on our records...

      Takahashi

      Takahashi

      This is the most common surname associated with Kotaro.
      Kiku

      Kiku

      This is the most common name of those married to a Kotaro.
      Hanayo

      Hanayo

      This is the most common name for a child of a Kotaro.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1920 is when there were the most people born with the first name Kotaro.

      Explore the origins of another name.