Tadao is a Japanese given name for males. Its origin can be traced back to the Japanese word "tada", which means "when" or "as soon as". The kanji characters used to write Tadao are "多" (ta, meaning "many") and "当" (dō, meaning "to hit" or "to strike"). Therefore, the name Tadao can be interpreted to mean "many hits" or "multiple strikes".
The name Tadao has a long history in Japan. It was used as early as the Heian period (794-1185) and gained popularity during the Edo period (1603-1868). Some notable historical figures with the name Tadao include:
* Tadao Yamauchi, a Japanese businessman who served as the president of Nintendo from 1924 to 1977.
* Tadao Ando, a renowned Japanese architect known for his minimalist and modernist designs.
Today, Tadao continues to be used as a given name in Japan. It is considered a strong and masculine name that conveys a sense of determination and perseverance due to its meaning of "multiple strikes". However, it is not particularly common outside of Japan, making it a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their son.
"Tadao saw its peak popularity between 1915 and 1923, with over 20 births annually each year except for 1924. After 1932, the name's usage significantly decreased, with only 5 births in 1938."