Saburo

Saburo is a masculine given name of Japanese origin. In kanji, it is typically written 三郎, literally meaning “third son.” The name combines 三 (three) with 郎 (a boy or son), a common suffix in male names.

Origin and usage: Historically, Saburō was often given to the third son in a family, serving as a birth-order name. In contemporary Japan, it remains a personal name and may not necessarily indicate birth order. It is used across generations and can appear in various contexts, including literature, media, and everyday life.

Variants and related forms: The name is commonly romanized as Saburō, with the macron indicating a long final vowel; in everyday writing it appears as Saburo or Saburou. Although 三郎 is the standard form, different kanji combinations can produce related-sounding names with distinct meanings, such as 三朗, which may carry different nuances while retaining the same basic reading.

Cultural references: Saburo is used for fictional characters in novels, manga, films, and video games, as well as for historical figures recorded in Japanese sources. Its recognizable meaning and structure make it a frequent choice for storytelling and historical depictions, reflecting traditional naming practices in Japan.

See also: Japanese given names; Kanji in given names; Suffixes in Japanese masculine names.