Meaning & History
Jiro is a common Japanese given name and name suffix for males, typically representing an alternate transcription of the kanji compound 二郎 (see Jirō).
Etymology
The name Jiro (or Jirō) originates from Japanese elements: 二 (ji) meaning "two" and 郎 (rō) meaning "son". This combination traditionally designated the second son in a family, following the pattern of Tarō (first son). Variations such as 次郎 ("next, son"), 次朗, 二朗, and 治郎 "reign, son" exist, depending on the kanji used. The name can also be written in hiragana or katakana.
Notable Bearers
Jiro has been borne by many notable figures across fields. Jiro Horikoshi (1903–1982) was the chief engineer behind Japanese WWII fighter aircraft like the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Jirō Akagawa (born 1948) is a prolific Japanese novelist, while Jiro (musician) (born 1972) is the bassist of the rock band GLAY. Politicians include Jiro Aichi (born 1969) and Jiro Akama (born 1968). Other bearers include novelist Jirō Asada, ski jumper Jiro Kamiharako, manga artist Jiro Ando, engineer Jiro Hirokawa, and weightlifter Jiro Hosotani.
Cultural Significance
Jiro belongs to a traditional Japanese naming pattern where Tarō, Jiro, Saburo (third son), and so on reflect birth order. This system has been used since the feudal era and persists alongside modern naming trends. While historically masculine, the name can now be given to any gender, though it remains predominantly male.
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Jiro (given name)