Susumu
A boy's name of Japanese origin with 351 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Susumu peaked during early twentieth-century America, when 27 babies received this name in a single year (1919). That era was defined by heritage-rooted naming, and Susumu has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Susumu is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Susumu is a boy's baby name of Japanese origin, from the Japanese meaning 'to advance', 'to progress,' or 'to move forward' — a name of forward momentum and continuous improvement, reflecting core values of the Japanese concept of kaizen.
Susumu has been a beloved traditional Japanese name for generations, borne by notable figures including filmmaker Susumu Hani and composer Susumu Hirasawa. Its three syllables have a steady, rhythmic quality — each mora advancing like footsteps on a determined journey forward.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Susumu belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At three syllables, it has a three-beat flow that carries a sense of formality and completeness.
Within the Japanese naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Japanese names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Susumu’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Susumu has 24+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1914.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 18 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 54 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 201 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 78 | — |
The Story of Susumu
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1919, Susumu is a name steeped in history. Boys named Susumu are most likely born between 1914 and 1929.
How rare is Susumu?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Susumu is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1914, peaked in the 1920s with 201 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Susumu by the numbers
- Would fill 7 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(24 years, 1914–1943)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 | 7 | #3203 |
| 1941 | 6 | #3458 |
| 1940 | 5 | #3885 |
| 1938 | 6 | #3497 |
| 1935 | 5 | #4090 |
| 1932 | 16 | #1916 |
| 1931 | 13 | #2202 |
| 1930 | 14 | #2165 |
| 1929 | 17 | #1919 |
| 1928 | 22 | #1641 |
| 1927 | 23 | #1636 |
| 1926 | 19 | #1837 |
| 1925 | 23 | #1624 |
| 1924 | 21 | #1773 |
| 1923 | 27 | #1455 |
| 1922 | 12 | #2616 |
| 1921 | 20 | #1820 |
| 1920 | 17 | #2042 |
| 1919 | 27 | #1406 |
| 1918 | 12 | #2518 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Susumu a boy's or girl's name?
When was Susumu most popular?
How popular is the name Susumu?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1914–1943