Jiro
JEE-ROH
Jiro is composed of the Japanese kanji 'ji' (two, second) and 'ro' (son), giving the straightforward meaning of 'second son'. It belongs to a traditional Japanese system of birth-order names that includes Ichiro (first son), Saburo (third son), and Shiro (fourth son). Despite its purely functional origin, Jiro carries a sense of family continuity and filial identity. It has been borne by many distinguished Japanese figures and retains a warm, familiar quality in Japanese culture.
At a glance
A classic Japanese name meaning 'second son', part of a traditional birth-order naming system. Made internationally known by the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, it carries cultural authenticity, quiet strength, and genuine Japanese heritage.
Etymology & History
The kanji used in Jiro are most commonly written as (ji, meaning two or second) and (ro, a masculine name suffix derived from a word meaning son or young man). The birth-order naming tradition in Japan dates back centuries and was formalised in the Heian period. The suffix '-ro' appears in many Japanese male names and carries masculine connotations beyond the literal 'son' meaning, functioning as an indicator of male identity in the name.
Cultural Significance
Birth-order names like Jiro were once the standard system for naming sons in Japan. While the custom has become less rigid in modern Japan, these names retain great cultural familiarity and nostalgic warmth. Internationally, Jiro gained significant recognition through the 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, which introduced Jiro Ono to global audiences and gave the name an aura of dedication, mastery, and quiet perfectionism. In Japan, Jiro is seen as a traditional but not outdated name, associated with reliability and family values.
Famous people named Jiro
Jiro Ono
Legendary Japanese sushi master, subject of the 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, widely considered one of the greatest sushi chefs in history
Jiro Taniguchi
Celebrated Japanese manga artist known for his beautifully detailed and contemplative works, including The Walking Man and Bandes dessinées collaborations with European authors
Jiro Shirasu
Prominent Japanese businessman and public figure in post-war Japan, known for his elegance and connection to the political circles of the Occupation era
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Jiro
Hiroshi
“Generous and vast”
Hiroshi is a Japanese given name that most commonly carries the meanings of generous, tolerant, vast, or broad-minded, depending on the kanji characters used to write it. The most frequent kanji choices include characters meaning vast or wide, generous or abundant, and tolerant or magnanimous. The name suggests a person of large heart and expansive outlook, someone capable of warmth, open-mindedness, and a generous engagement with the world. Hiroshi has been one of Japan's most consistently popular boys' names across much of the twentieth century, carrying a quality of solid, dependable distinction.
Ichiro
“First son”
Ichiro is a classic Japanese masculine name meaning first son, composed of the characters 'ichi' (one, first) and 'ro' (son, young man). It is one of the most traditional Japanese ordinal names, given to the eldest son to mark his primacy within the family and the expectations that come with being firstborn. The name is simple, strong, and immediately legible in Japanese culture. It gained extraordinary international recognition through the baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki, who became one of the most celebrated athletes in the history of the sport and made the name iconic well beyond Japan.
Kenji
“Strong, healthy second son”
Kenji traditionally signifies a 'strong, healthy second son', combining kanji characters for strength and vitality with the character for 'second', reflecting the Japanese custom of encoding birth order within given names.
Koji
“Radiant second son”
Koji is a Japanese masculine name that traditionally combines the character for radiance or light with the character for second, making it a name often given to a second son to convey brightness and warmth. In modern usage the name is not restricted to second children and is chosen freely by Japanese parents for its pleasant sound and positive associations. The name suggests brightness, clarity, and a warm luminous energy. It has a classic, enduring quality in Japan.
Makoto
“Sincerity, truth”
Makoto is one of the most deeply valued virtues in Japanese culture, encompassing sincerity, truth, and faithfulness. As a given name, it carries profound moral weight, suggesting a person of genuine character and integrity. The name is used for all genders, reflecting its universal quality as a human ideal.
Ryo
“Cool or refreshing”
Ryo is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji characters used to write it. The most common readings include cool and refreshing, suggesting calm composure and clarity, while other kanji can render it as dragon, distant, or good, adding layers of possibility. Its single-syllable elegance gives it a sleek, modern appeal that sits comfortably in both Japanese and international contexts.
Saburo
“third son”
Saburo is written as 三郎 (three + son/young man), following the classical Japanese tradition of naming sons by birth order: Ichiro (first), Jiro (second), Saburo (third). The kanji 郎 (ro) means young man or son, and was widely used in masculine names through the early modern period. The name carries the dignity of a long-standing naming tradition and a certain unpretentious, dependable character.
Where you'll find Jiro
Jiro shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.