Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a masculine given name of Japanese origin. It is commonly used in Japan and among Japanese-speaking communities abroad. The name is adaptable to many kanji spellings, which gives it a range of possible meanings.

Meaning depends on the kanji used. The first part can be written with characters such as 広 (wide), 宏 (broad), 弘 (expand), 洋 (ocean), or 浩 (vast); the second part shi is typically written with 志 (will), 司 (to govern), or 史 (history). Consequently, different spellings such as 広志, 浩司, 洋史, 宏司, or 弘志 convey different nuances, from breadth or abundance to aspiration and leadership. The name can also be rendered in kana as ひろし.

In contemporary Japan, Hiroshi was especially popular for boys born in the mid-20th century, notably the 1950s through the 1970s. While its use has declined somewhat in younger generations, it remains a recognizable and enduring given name among Japanese communities worldwide.

Notable people named Hiroshi include Hiroshi Tanahashi (born 1977), a professional wrestler; Hiroshi Ishiguro (born 1961), a roboticist and professor known for android research; Hiroshi Kamiya (born 1975), a prominent voice actor and singer; Hiroshi Fujiwara (born 1964), a fashion designer and musician; Hiroshi Abe (born 1964), an actor; and Hiroshi Sugimoto (born 1948), a photographer. The name also appears for various fictional characters across Japanese film, television, and literature, reflecting its broad cultural presence.