Katsuji is a Japanese given name that is of Shinto origin. It is composed of two kanji characters: "Katsu" which means "victory," and "Jī" which means "first, beginning." Therefore, the name Katsuji can be translated to mean "the first victory."
The use of this name dates back to ancient times in Japan. During the Heian period (794-1185), it was common for people to have two names: a given name and a courtesy name. Katsuji was often used as a courtesy name, suggesting that its bearer was considered someone who would achieve great success.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Katsuji in Japan. One famous example is Katsuji Shibata, a prominent haiku poet during the Edo period (1603-1868). His work has had a significant impact on Japanese literature and continues to be celebrated today.
In modern times, Katsuji remains a popular name among Japanese families. While it may not be as commonly used internationally, it still carries a powerful meaning that reflects its rich history. For those who choose this name for their child, they often do so because they hope that their child will grow up to achieve great things and bring honor to the family, just as the name suggests.
The name Katsuji saw a peak in popularity during the early 1920s with eight births recorded in 1919 and five births each in the years 1921, 1922, and 1924. Over this period, a total of 23 babies were named Katsuji.