Jiraiya

A familiar Japanese name with steady appeal.

Boy's name| Also girlsJapaneseRising fast Also a pet name
#918 183in 2024

Meaning & Origin

Jiraiya is a boy's and girl's baby name of Japanese origin, from Japanese mythology and folklore, where Jiraiya was a ninja hero who could transform into a giant toad. The name means "young thunder" or is associated with toad magic in Japanese legend.

The name became globally recognized through the manga and anime series Naruto, where Jiraiya is a legendary ninja and mentor figure — one of the most beloved characters in the franchise's history. His wisdom, humor, and sacrifice made the name emotionally resonant for millions of fans worldwide.

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Popularity Over Time

Jiraiya has 18+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2007.

0891792683572024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Jiraiya
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s1,398
2010s590
2000s56

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(18 years, 20072024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Jiraiya
YearBirthsRank
2024252#918
2023357#735
2022317#796
2021288#828
2020184#1081
2019127#1397
2018108#1559
201788#1753
201659#2262
201545#2701
201438#3012
201325#4008
201235#3202
201134#3273
201031#3492
200925#4098
200822#4465
20079#8531

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Jiraiya as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Jiraiya has also been given to 110 girls in the U.S. since 2016.

#5679
Current rank
110
Total births
2022
Peak year
Compare Jiraiya as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Jiraiya be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Jiraiya is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #918. As a girl's name, it ranks #5679.

Jiraiya has two lives

Jiraiya, the baby name
#918boys
2,044 babies
Currently viewing
Jiraiya, the pet name
#28480pet name
1 pets
View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (20072024) · Methodology