Teruo
A boy's name of Japanese origin with 274 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Fewer than 274 Americans have ever been named Teruo. It first appeared in SSA records in 1913 and peaked modestly at 37 births in 1927 — rare enough to be distinctive, with just enough history to feel grounded.
Teruo is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Teruo is a boy's baby name of Japanese origin, combining kanji elements such as 輝 teru ('to shine, to gleam') or 照 ('to illuminate') with お o (a masculine suffix), creating meanings like 'shining one' or 'brilliant light.' Teruo is a traditional Japanese masculine name that carries the brightness and clarity of its light-related meaning.
In Japanese American communities, Teruo represents an older generation of traditional names that carried deep aspirations for brilliance and success across the Pacific.
EtymologyShow more
Teruo first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1913. Its appearance in the 1910s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
Its Japanese classification suggests a path from japanese linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Teruo has 21+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1913.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 31 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 183 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 60 | — |
The Story of Teruo
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1927, Teruo is a name steeped in history. Boys named Teruo are most likely born between 1917 and 1935.
How rare is Teruo?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Teruo is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1913, peaked in the 1920s with 183 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Teruo by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(21 years, 1913–1935)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1935 | 5 | #4093 |
| 1932 | 8 | #3065 |
| 1931 | 6 | #3717 |
| 1930 | 12 | #2438 |
| 1929 | 16 | #1996 |
| 1928 | 20 | #1752 |
| 1927 | 37 | #1197 |
| 1926 | 16 | #2065 |
| 1925 | 16 | #2077 |
| 1924 | 12 | #2621 |
| 1923 | 18 | #1935 |
| 1922 | 14 | #2333 |
| 1921 | 19 | #1892 |
| 1920 | 15 | #2219 |
| 1919 | 13 | #2377 |
| 1918 | 13 | #2385 |
| 1917 | 7 | #3514 |
| 1916 | 9 | #2906 |
| 1915 | 8 | #3043 |
| 1914 | 5 | #3708 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Teruo a boy's or girl's name?
When was Teruo most popular?
How popular is the name Teruo?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1913–1935