Tadashi
Masculine
Japanese
Meaning & Origin
Tadashi is a common Japanese masculine given name. Its meaning depends on the kanji characters used to write it. The most common kanji for Tadashi is 正 (tadashi), meaning "right, correct, or true." Another frequently used kanji is 忠 (tadashi), meaning "loyalty" or "devotion." Additionally, various combinations of other kanji – such as 禎 (meaning "blessings"), 荘 ("solemn"), or 匡史 ("rectify history") – can also produce the reading Tadashi.
The name Tadashi reflects traditional Japanese virtues: correctness, integrity, and fidelity. It is a classic name that has been in widespread use for generations, spoken in Japan and among Japanese diaspora communities.
History and Usage
Tadashi has been a given name in Japan since at least the early modern period, associated with concepts of moral uprightness dutiful service. It is not restricted to any particular era and remains moderately popular today.
Notable Bearers
Tadashi Abe (1926–1984), pioneering aikido master who taught in the West
Tadashi Irie (born 1944), former yakuza boss
Tadashi Kawamata (born 1953), installation artist representing Japan at the Venice Biennale
Tadashi Matsuura (born 1976), musician better known as Shuichiro Suzuki
Tadashi Hayashi (born 1962), basketball coach
Related Readings
Kanji with the same conceptual values appear in names throughout the East Asian sinosphere: Zheng or Zhong in Chinese (depending on context); Jeong, Jong, or Jung in Korean; Trung in Vietnamese.
Meaning: "right, true, devotion, loyalty" (depending on kanji)
Country of origin: Japan
Gender: Male
Kanji examples: 正, 忠, 禎, 庄, 匡史