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Origin and meaning of the name Goku

What is the origin of the name Goku?

The name Goku is derived from Japanese mythology and was popularized by the character Son Goku in the Dragon Ball manga series created by Akira Toriyama. The name is a combination of the Japanese words "go" (meaning "path" or "way") and "ku" (a phonetic representation of "kū" meaning "emptiness"). In Buddhism, Kū is one of the Five Wisdoms representing emptiness and wisdom.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Goku

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Goku

The name Goku is of Japanese origin and is popularly known from the Dragon Ball series, created by Akira Toriyama. In the context of this anime and manga franchise, Goku is the main protagonist. The character's name is derived from 'go' meaning "achievement" or "success," and 'ku,' a Japanese onomatopoeic term for the sound made by a cow, often used in martial arts contexts to indicate striking or attacking an opponent. In the series, Goku is depicted as a powerful and innocent Saiyan warrior who embarks on various adventures while mastering different forms of martial arts. Outside of the Dragon Ball universe, Goku has become a cultural phenomenon and a common name among fans worldwide.

Character traits associated with the name Goku

Goku, a prominent character from the Dragon Ball series, is renowned for his extraordinary physical strength and unwavering determination. His fierce battle spirit and insatiable desire to become stronger make him an iconic figure within the realm of martial arts. Goku's childlike innocence and playful demeanor often contrast with the seriousness of his battles, adding a unique charm to his character. Additionally, he demonstrates deep loyalty to those he cares about, as evident in his relationships with friends and family. Despite his raw power, Goku's humility and kindness set him apart, making him a beloved character among fans. His unyielding perseverance and constant growth embody the spirit of resilience and dedication.

Popularity of the name Goku

The name Goku, originating from the popular Japanese manga series "Dragon Ball," has gained significant global recognition due to its protagonist. The character's popularity has indirectly contributed to the increased usage of the name Goku among children, particularly in countries with a large fanbase for the franchise such as Japan, United States, and several countries in Asia and Latin America. In 2021, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Goku ranked at number 853 among popular baby boy names in the United States, demonstrating its continued presence but not widespread usage. Despite this, in certain niche communities, Goku remains a highly favored name for boys.

Famous people with the name Goku

Goku is a popular character from the Dragon Ball manga series created by Akira Toriyama. Initially introduced in 1984, Goku has since become one of the most recognized figures in Japanese anime and manga culture. Voiced by Masako Nozawa in the original Japanese version, Goku's English voice actors include Sean Schemmel and Jason Douglas in various Dragon Ball productions. Outside of animation, Canadian martial artist and actor Justin Chatwin portrayed a live-action version of Goku in the 2009 film "Dragonball Evolution." In addition, Goku has been featured as a playable character in numerous video games, further solidifying his prominence in global pop culture.

Variations of the name Goku

Goku is a popular Japanese given name, particularly recognized from the Dragon Ball series. The name has various spellings and translations in English. Some common variations include:

* Kakarot: This is Goku's original Saiyan name. In the series, he was named Kakarotto (カカロット), but it is often simplified to Kakarot in English.
* Son Goku: This is his full name in Japanese. 'Son' is a family name that translates to 'monkey boy'.
* Kami-sama Kintoun: In Dragon Ball GT, after Goku becomes an angel, he takes the name Kami-sama (God) and Kintoun, a reference to Sun Wukong from the Chinese novel Journey to the West.
* Kakarot / Gohan: During the early stages of the series, Goku's son is named Goten, but in some English translations he is called Gohan, which is short for Son Gohan (Goten's full name) and also a homophone for "I want to eat rice" in Japanese.
* Vegetto / Vegito: This is the fusion of Goku and Vegeta. The name can be spelled as Vegetto, Vegitto, or Vegito.

These variations reflect different stages and fusions of Goku's character throughout the Dragon Ball series.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 24 July 2025

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