Mamoru

Mamoru is a masculine given name of Japanese origin. It is derived from the verb mamoru, meaning to protect or guard, and in names is commonly written with the kanji 守, though other kanji spellings such as 真守 are also used.

Notable people with the name include film directors Mamoru Oshii (押井守) and Mamoru Hosoda (細田守), and actor and singer Mamoru Miyano (宮野真守). The name also appears in popular culture as a fictional character; in Sailor Moon, Mamoru Chiba is the civilian identity of Tuxedo Mask (Chiba Mamoru in Japanese order) and a central ally to the Sailor Guardians.

In usage, Mamoru is a traditional, masculine name that conveys protection or guardianship. It remains common in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad, and its kanji forms offer varied nuances while retaining the same pronunciation.