Noah Boy
NOH-uh
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#2
Masao
BoyJapanese· “meaning depends on the kanji; often righteous man”
- Meaning
- meaning depends on the kanji; often righteous man
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- mah-SAH-oh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #705 (1918)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Masao
Masao is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “meaning depends on the kanji; often righteous man”.
Masao is a Japanese male name whose meaning depends on the kanji used to write it. Common combinations include characters meaning correct or righteous with a character meaning man or male, or elegant with husband or man. As a result, the name can mean righteous man, elegant man or something similar. It has been a traditional Japanese name for generations and is found among Japanese American families. It is said mah-SAH-oh. Masa is a common short form. Masao has a dignified, classic sound.
Popularity over time
Masao first appears in US Social Security records in 1907. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years, starting in 1912. Its best national rank was #705 in 1918, the same year it reached its highest count of 81 babies. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Of the 1,018 US boys named Masao since records began, 44% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 400 babies. Since 2010, 18 more have been named Masao.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ellwood, Henderson, Gaston, Milburn, and Clovis.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Masao is usually pronounced mah-SAH-oh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ao”.
Middle names for Masao
A few middle names that flow with Masao: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Masao
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Lists that include Masao
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Masao mean?
Masao is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “meaning depends on the kanji; often righteous man”.
What is the origin of the name Masao?
Masao has Japanese roots. Masao is a Japanese male name whose meaning depends on the kanji used to write it.
Is Masao a popular name?
No. Masao was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Masao a boy or girl name?
Masao is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Masao?
Masao is usually pronounced mah-SAH-oh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings