Shizuo
A boy's name of Japanese origin with 135 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Shizuo is a vintage name that peaked in early twentieth-century America and has since faded from common use. For parents drawn to retro charm, that quiet history is part of the appeal.
The open, approachable quality of its ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression — keeps the name compact and easy to pair with longer middle names or surnames.
Shizuo is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Shizuo is a boy's baby name of Japanese origin, combining the elements shizu (meaning 'quiet' or 'calm') and o (a masculine suffix meaning 'man'). Together the name means 'quiet man' or 'man of tranquility.'
The name carries the Japanese aesthetic of serenity — the value of stillness, composure, and inner peace. It is most recognized internationally through the character Shizuo Heiwajima from the anime series Durarara!!, giving it a dimension of popular culture recognition among anime fans worldwide.
EtymologyShow more
Though Shizuo dates back to 1915 in U.S. records, its etymological path is not always straightforward. Names that predate modern naming databases sometimes resist easy classification — they may have been oral traditions, regional family names, or adaptations that were never systematically recorded. The Japanese classification provides a starting point, but the full derivation likely involves more nuance than a single label can capture.
With only 135 recorded births, Shizuo has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Shizuo has 15+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1915.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 94 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 41 | — |
The Story of Shizuo
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1920, Shizuo is a name steeped in history. Boys named Shizuo are most likely born between 1915 and 1929.
How rare is Shizuo?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Shizuo is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1915, peaked in the 1920s with 94 births that decade.
Shizuo by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(15 years, 1915–1929)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1929 | 6 | #3904 |
| 1928 | 6 | #4089 |
| 1927 | 6 | #4147 |
| 1926 | 5 | #4743 |
| 1925 | 11 | #2728 |
| 1924 | 11 | #2802 |
| 1923 | 12 | #2594 |
| 1922 | 12 | #2614 |
| 1921 | 11 | #2778 |
| 1920 | 14 | #2325 |
| 1919 | 6 | #4108 |
| 1918 | 7 | #3667 |
| 1917 | 9 | #2918 |
| 1916 | 9 | #2902 |
| 1915 | 10 | #2594 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shizuo a boy's or girl's name?
When was Shizuo most popular?
How popular is the name Shizuo?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1915–1929