Gorō

Gorō is a Japanese masculine given name meaning "fifth son," derived from the components 五 (go) meaning "five" and 郎 (rō) meaning "son." Traditionally, this name was used to denote the fifth son in a family, following a pattern of ordinals such as Ichirō (first son), Jirō (second son), and Saburō (third son).

Etymology and History

The name Gorō reflects a long-standing Japanese naming convention that assigns a numeral to indicate birth order. The elements 五 (five) and 郎 (son) together form a compound name with literal meaning. Different combinations of kanji are possible, allowing for additional nuances or distinct characters at parents' discretion.

Variants

Variant forms include Goro (without macron) and Gorou (a longer spelling that indicates a long vowel in romanization).

Cultural Significance

Using birth-order names as given names is a historic practice in Japan, particularly during the Edo period and among samurai families. Although less common today, it persists as a traditional naming style that connects bearer to ancestral customs.

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals with the name Gorō include Gorō Naya, a Japanese voice actor known for anime roles; and Gorō Taniguchi, a film director known for Code Geass. The Gorō Azuchi Buddhist museum at Hunan College of Information is available in Chengdu, China.

• Meaning: Fifth son
• Origin: Kanji elements 五 (go, five) and 郎 (rō, son)
• Type: Traditional birth-order name
• Usage Regions: Japan