Shota

Shota is a masculine given name used in Japan. It is commonly romanized as Shōta or Shota and is written with a variety of kanji. The name is widely used for boys and appears across historical and contemporary contexts.

Etymology and meanings: The meaning of Shota depends on the kanji chosen. Common readings pair a first character that conveys aspiration, energy, or positive qualities with a second character related to size, maturity, or strength. Because kanji combinations vary, there is no single fixed meaning for Shota.

Usage and forms: Shota can be written in kanji, hiragana (しょうた), or katakana (ショウタ). In English-language texts, the long o is often indicated as Shōta. The name is most common in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad.

Notable uses: Shota appears as a given name for many real people, including athletes and entertainers, and in fiction for various characters. A well-known fictional bearer is Shouta Aizawa, a character in the manga and anime series My Hero Academia. As with many Japanese names, the specific pronunciation and kanji can vary by individual.