Sumio

Sumio is a masculine given name of Japanese origin. It is used primarily in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad. As with many Japanese names, the meaning of Sumio depends on the kanji used to write it, and there is no single fixed interpretation. The name can be formed from various kanji selections that convey qualities such as purity, sincerity, strength, or other favorable attributes, combined with a masculine suffix. Because kanji spellings vary, Sumio is commonly written in kana as すみお or スミオ, while kanji spellings are chosen by parents.

In terms of usage, Sumio is regarded as a traditional or classic name. It was more common in the mid- to late Showa period and is less frequently given to newborns today, though it remains in use and may appear in historical or literary contexts.

Notable individuals named Sumio include Sumio Iijima (born 1931), a Japanese physicist who is widely recognized for his discovery and study of carbon nanotubes. The name is also borne by other figures in science, engineering, and arts, reflecting its broad usage in Japanese naming traditions.

In romanization, Sumio represents the common reading of the name in Hepburn and other systems, and can be rendered in kana as すみお or スミオ.