Masaru

Masaru is a masculine given name of Japanese origin. The meaning of Masaru varies with the kanji used, but the most common version is written with the character 勝, meaning "victory." Other kanji combinations may convey meanings such as "excellence," "ruler," or "elegance," and the same pronunciation can be rendered in various ways. The name has been widely used in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad, and it is typically romanized as Masaru in standard transcription.

Historically, Masaru has appeared in Japanese naming practices for boys and has remained in use through modern times, reflecting traditional tendencies as well as contemporary naming diversity. It is widely recognized as a classic, culturally resonant Japanese given name.

Notable people named Masaru include Masaru Ibuka (1908–1997), co-founder of Sony, who helped establish a major electronics company in the 20th century; and Masaru Emoto (1943–2014), a researcher and author known for his controversial claims about water crystallization. The name is linked to figures across fields such as business, science, and culture, illustrating its continued presence in Japan and among Japanese communities worldwide.