Gorou

Gorou is an alternate transcription of the Japanese kanji name 五郎, most commonly seen as Gorō. It is a traditional Japanese masculine given name composed of two elements: go (五) meaning "five" and rō (郎) meaning "son". Historically, names with numerical prefixes like Gorō were used to indicate birth order, with Gorō specifically designated for the fifth son. The name can also be written with various other kanji combinations, though the numerical meaning remains common.

Cultural and Geographic Context

While traditionally rooted in Japanese naming conventions, the name Gorou has gained global recognition in modern times, primarily due to its use in Japanese pop culture. It appears as the name of a character from the popular video game Genshin Impact, a title set in the fictional world of Teyvat. In the game, Gorou is a general of the Resistance and a playable character from the nation of Inazuma. His inclusion in the game's diverse roster—which as of 2026 includes over 100 playable characters with distinct backstories and cultural ties—has introduced the name to an international audience.

Notable Bearers

Outside of gaming, the name Gorou (or Goro) has been borne by several notable Japanese figures, including the politician Gorō Mutsu and the Sengoku-era samurai Gorō Matsudaira. In fiction, the name appears in works such as the manga and film Battle Royale and the video game series Mortal Kombat, which features a character named Goro—a four-armed half-human, half-dragon—though that name's etymology is unrelated.

• Meaning: five/ fifth son
• Origin: Japanese
• Type: Given name (masculine)
• Usage regions: Japan; recognized worldwide via pop culture