Meaning, origin, history
Sunao is a Japanese given name of both masculine and feminine usage. Its origins can be traced back to the Japanese language's Kanji characters.
The Kanji character used for Sunao (素直) means "sincere" or "honest". The first character, "su" (素), translates to "pure" or "innocent", while the second character, "nao" (直), translates to "straightforward" or "direct".
The name Sunao is often associated with honesty and sincerity. It implies that the person named Sunao is straightforward, genuine, and authentic in their nature.
Historically, the name Sunao has been used for centuries in Japan. However, it gained significant popularity during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when the Emperor Meiji encouraged the use of native Japanese names instead of foreign ones.
Today, Sunao continues to be a popular choice among parents in Japan, with its meaning resonating strongly in the Japanese culture that values honesty and sincerity. However, it is not as commonly used outside of Japan, making it somewhat unique and distinctive when encountered internationally.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Sunao since 1880
Total births
39
Total since 1880
Peak year
1923
12 births
in 1926
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years