All about the name
Kaoru
Male
« Kaoru is a unisex Japanese name that combines the kanji characters for "fragrant" (ka) and "beginning" (oru), meaning "fragrant beginning." It has been popular in Japan since the Heian period and continues to be widely used today, with notable historical figures and media characters bearing this name. »
#13658
since 1900
Meaning, origin, history
Kaoru is a unisex Japanese given name that is used equally for both boys and girls. It originates from the combination of two kanji characters: "ka" (香) meaning "fragrant," and "oru" (緒) meaning "beginning, start." Therefore, Kaoru means "fragrant beginning."
The name Kaoru has been popular in Japan since the Heian period (794-1185), with notable historical figures bearing this name. One famous example is Lady Murasaki Shikibu, the author of "The Tale of Genji," who was also known by her given name Kaoru.
In modern times, Kaoru continues to be a popular choice for parents in Japan, ranking among the top 100 names for both boys and girls annually. Additionally, Kaoru has gained international recognition due to its use in various forms of media, such as anime and manga. Notable characters named Kaoru include Kaoru Seta from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and Kaoru Nishimi from "Kuroko's Basketball."
Overall, the name Kaoru is strongly associated with Japanese culture and history, and its meaning adds a touch of elegance and refinement to those who bear it.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Kaoru since 1880
Total births
168
Total since 1880
Peak year
1921
17 births
in 1999
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years