All about the name HIKARU

Meaning, origin, history.

Hikaru is a Japanese given name of both masculine and feminine usage. It originates from the Japanese word "hika-ru," which means "to shine" or "radiate." The name is composed of two kanji characters: "光" (hikari), meaning light, and "流" (ru), meaning flow.

The name Hikaru first gained popularity in Japan during the Taisho period (1912-1926) when it was often given to children born around that time. However, its usage has since declined, with more modern parents opting for other names instead.

One notable historical figure who bore this name was Hikaru Genji, a legendary warrior and the protagonist of the epic samurai novel "The Tale of the Heike." This literary work is believed to have been composed in the late 13th century during the Kamakura period. The character Hikaru Genji is known for his extraordinary skill in battle and his eventual role in the rise and fall of the Heike clan.

In popular culture, Hikaru has appeared as a character name in various anime series such as "Pokémon" (as Team Rocket's Meowth), "Naruto," and "Sailor Moon." These appearances may have contributed to its brief resurgence in popularity among Japanese parents during those periods. Nonetheless, today the name remains relatively uncommon compared to other Japanese given names like Hana or Yumi.

In conclusion, Hikaru is a unisex Japanese name that carries the meaning of shining or radiating light. Its origins can be traced back to ancient literature and historical figures, while its usage has waxed and waned over time in tandem with changing trends and influences from popular culture.

See also

Japanese
Japan

Popularity of the name HIKARU since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The statistics regarding the given name Hikaru show a steady presence in the United States over the years 1992 to 2002. In this decade, there were 7 births recorded for the name Hikaru in 1992, indicating that the name was already being chosen by parents during this time period. This number decreased slightly in 1999 with only 6 births reported.

Interestingly, there was another slight decrease in popularity between 1999 and 2002, with only 5 births recorded for the name Hikaru during these years. Despite these fluctuations in popularity, it is clear that Hikaru has maintained a consistent presence throughout this decade.

Over the entire decade from 1992 to 2002, there were a total of 18 babies named Hikaru born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not have been among the most popular during this time period, it did manage to maintain a consistent level of usage among parents choosing names for their children.

Overall, these statistics show that the name Hikaru has had a steady presence in the United States over the course of a decade. While its popularity varied slightly from year to year, it consistently remained among the choices made by parents for their newborns.