Shinobu
Primarily a girl's name of Japanese origin with 5 recorded births. Also given to 5 boys.
Meaning & Origin
At 7 letters and three syllables, Shinobu hits the middle ground most parents look for: long enough to feel complete, short enough for everyday use. It has been used as a girl's name in the U.S. since 1919, with 5 total recorded births.
Shinobu is not in the current top 1,000, which means your child is unlikely to share the name with a classmate — a plus for parents who value distinctiveness.
Shinobu is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Shinobu is a baby name of Japanese origin, meaning 'endurance,' 'patience,' or 'to hide,' a traditional Japanese name evoking quiet strength.
EtymologyShow more
The ending of a name often carries more etymological information than the beginning. Shinobu's final sounds are open, approachable — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. In English-language naming, many feminine names end on open vowels or soft consonants, creating a melodic, approachable quality. Shinobu follows that feminine pattern.
Explore the ending-based name pages on this site to find names that share Shinobu'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
Shinobu has 1+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1919.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 | #5457 | — |
The Story of Shinobu
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1919, Shinobu is a name steeped in history. Girls named Shinobu are most likely born between 1919 and 1919.
How rare is Shinobu?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Shinobu is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1919, peaked in the 1910s with 5 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(1 years, 1919–1919)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1919 | 5 | #5457 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Shinobu as a Boy's Name
Shinobu is a true unisex name. As a boy's name, it has 5 recorded births since 1923.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shinobu a boy's or girl's name?
When was Shinobu most popular?
How popular is the name Shinobu?
Can Shinobu be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1919–1919