Hanzō is a Japanese masculine given name composed of two kanji elements: han (半, "half") and zō (蔵, "to hide"). The name historically gained prominence through Hattori Hanzō (1542–1596), a famed samurai and ninja who served the Tokugawa clan during Japan's Sengoku period. He was known as “Demon Hanzō” for his military prowess and played a key role in helping Tokugawa Ieyasu rise to power. Notable BearersThe name is also borne by fictional characters, notably the blind swordsman Hattori Hanzō from the Kill Bill film series, which further cemented its cultural presence. In popular culture, the name often evokes themes of stealth and martial skill. VariantsA closely related form is Hanzou, which uses different romanization techniques. EtymologyThe kanji combination 半蔵 can be interpreted as “half hidden,” reflecting either a nature-based or figurative concealment. The name may also be written with other kanji pairings, though the meaning varies by characters used. Geographical and Cultural ContextPrimarily used in Japan, Hanzō is a masculine name with strong historical ties to the samurai class and ninja lore. Distribution within Japan does not show extreme concentration, but the name retains classical connotations of loyalty and martial discipline. Key FactsMeans: half + to hideOrigin: JapaneseType: First NameUsage Regions: Japan