Gendo

Gendo is a masculine given name in Japan and can also function as a surname. The meaning of the name depends on the kanji characters used to write it, and there is no single established interpretation. In everyday usage, the romaji spelling Gendo is used in English-language texts to refer to people with this name.

In popular culture, the most prominent bearer is Gendo Ikari, a fictional character from the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. Gendo Ikari serves as the commander of NERV and is the father of Shinji Ikari. The character is central to the series, influencing its political and familial dynamics through strategic decisions and guarded motives. His portrayal has been the subject of extensive analysis for its moral complexity and leadership style.

The name Gendo appears mainly in Japanese contexts. When used in fiction outside Japan, it typically preserves the original pronunciation and romanization. The name’s presence in global media is largely due to Evangelion rather than other real-world figures.