Goku
A boy's name of Japanese origin with 122 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
At 4 letters and two syllables, Goku is short enough to fit easily on forms, monograms, and classroom labels — no abbreviation needed. It has been used as a boy's name in the U.S. since 2013, with 122 total recorded births.
Currently ranked #11355, Goku is familiar enough that people will recognize it but not so common that your child shares it with three classmates.
In the most recent SSA release, Goku ranks #11355 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Goku is a boy's baby name of Japanese origin, the name of the protagonist of the anime and manga series Dragon Ball — Son Goku, whose name is the Japanese reading of Sun Wukong (孫悟空), the Monkey King from the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. The name means 'understanding of emptiness' in Zen Buddhist tradition.
Goku is one of the most recognized names in anime culture worldwide — the endlessly optimistic, immensely powerful Saiyan warrior who became a symbol of determination, growth, and the belief that anyone can exceed their limits.
EtymologyShow more
The ending of a name often carries more etymological information than the beginning. Goku's final sounds are open, approachable — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. In English-language naming, masculine names frequently end on harder consonants or closed syllables, creating a sense of decisiveness and strength. Goku softens that pattern, giving it a more versatile feel.
Explore the ending-based name pages on this site to find names that share Goku's suffix pattern — names with similar endings often share a style and era, even when they come from different linguistic backgrounds.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Goku has 11+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2013.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 54 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 68 | — |
The Story of Goku
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2020, Goku is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Goku are most likely born between 2013 and 2024.
How rare is Goku?
Only about 1 in every 600,000 babies born in 2024 was named Goku — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2013, peaked in the 2010s with 68 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Goku by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(11 years, 2013–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | #11355 |
| 2023 | 5 | #12854 |
| 2022 | 12 | #6963 |
| 2021 | 11 | #7267 |
| 2020 | 20 | #4756 |
| 2019 | 7 | #10101 |
| 2018 | 13 | #6474 |
| 2017 | 17 | #5362 |
| 2016 | 13 | #6472 |
| 2015 | 7 | #9906 |
| 2013 | 11 | #7203 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2013–2024