Tsubasa
A boy's name of Japanese origin with 39 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A male given name from Japanese.
Tsubasa is a boy's baby name of Japanese origin meaning 'wing' or 'feather,' written with the Kanji 翼. The name evokes freedom, flight, and the ability to soar — qualities that make it an aspirational choice in Japanese culture, symbolizing a child who will go far and rise high.
Tsubasa gained international recognition through the beloved manga and anime series Captain Tsubasa (1981), a massively influential soccer story that shaped an entire generation of players worldwide, including stars like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo who cited it as inspiration.
EtymologyShow more
Tsubasa first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1997. First appearing in the 1990s, Tsubasa emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
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
Tsubasa has 6+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1997.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 17 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 22 | — |
The Story of Tsubasa
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 1997, Tsubasa is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Tsubasa are most likely born between 1997 and 2007.
How rare is Tsubasa?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Tsubasa is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1997, peaked in the 1990s with 22 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(6 years, 1997–2008)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 | #14458 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13879 |
| 2005 | 7 | #10072 |
| 1999 | 6 | #9825 |
| 1998 | 7 | #8410 |
| 1997 | 9 | #6579 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tsubasa a boy's or girl's name?
When was Tsubasa most popular?
How popular is the name Tsubasa?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1997–2008