Tatsuo

Tatsuo is a traditional Japanese masculine name composed of two kanji characters. Typically, 'tatsu' (竜) means 'dragon,' symbolizing strength and good fortune, while 'o' (男) means 'man' or 'male.' Alternative kanji combinations can give slightly different meanings, but the name generally connotes qualities of achievement, excellence, and power. Tatsuo has been a moderately popular name in Japan for generations, though usage has decreased in recent decades as modern naming trends have shifted. Outside Japan, the name remains distinctively Japanese and carries cultural significance. For Japanese diaspora families, choosing Tatsuo may represent a connection to heritage while embodying aspirations for strength and accomplishment.

Pronounced taht-SOO-oh.

As of October 2026, Tatsuo ranked #3425 for boys in US births in 1940 SSA, peaked at #833 for boys in 1916.