Toru

Toru is a Japanese masculine given name. The name is of unknown origin and meaning. It is often believed to be derived from the Japanese word "toru" which means "to take" or "to receive". However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. The name Toru first gained popularity in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912). During this time, many Japanese people adopted Western-style given names as part of a wider trend towards modernization. Toru was one of the most popular choices among these new Western-inspired names. One famous bearer of the name Toru is Toru Dodo (1845-1900), who was a prominent Japanese journalist and politician during the Meiji period. Dodo played an important role in promoting freedom of speech and the press in Japan, and he is often referred to as the "father of Japanese journalism". Today, Toru remains a popular choice for boys' names in Japan. It is often associated with modernity and progress due to its origins during the Meiji period. Despite its unknown origin and meaning, the name Toru has become an enduring part of Japanese naming culture.