Masahiro

Masahiro is a masculine given name of Japanese origin. The meaning of Masahiro depends on the kanji characters used to write it, and there are many possible combinations. A typical two-kanji construction pairs a syllable read as “masa” with one read as “hiro.” Common first elements include 正 (correct, righteous), 政 (policy, governance), 雅 (elegant), 真 (true), and 昌 (prosperous). Common second elements include 博 (wide, learned), 宏 or 弘 (vast, broad), 浩 (vast), and 洋 (ocean). Because of the variety of kanji, Masahiro can carry a range of nuanced meanings such as “true and broad,” “righteous and prosperous,” or “elegant and expansive.”

The name is widely used in Japan and is considered a traditional male given name. It remains in common use in contemporary times and can be found across various generations, professions, and regions.

Notable people with the name include Masahiro Sakurai, a prominent video game designer and the creator of the Super Smash Bros. series, and Masahiro Tanaka, a professional baseball pitcher who has played in both Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball. The name is also encountered in fiction and other public contexts, reflecting its enduring appeal in Japanese naming practices.