Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Origin and meaning of the name Goku

Discover my first name's origin now

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.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

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.
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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 :

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

#1 Gokalbhai

First name • forenames > gokalbhai

The first name "Gokalbhai" originates from India. It is a combination of two words "Gokal" which means cowherd and "bhai" which means brother in Gujarati.

#2 Gokana

First name • forenames > gokana

The name Gokana originates from the Bantu language and is a traditional name used in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

#3 Gokeda

First name • forenames > gokeda

The name Gokeda does not have a known origin or meaning in English. It may be a rare or unique name without a specific etymology.

#4 Gokel somrwal

First name • forenames > gokel-somrwal

The first name "Gokel Somrwal" does not have a known origin or meaning in the English language. It is possible that it is a unique or uncommon name without a clear etymology.

#5 Gokhan

First name • forenames > gokhan

The name Gokhan has Turkish origins. It is commonly used in Turkey and other Turkic-speaking countries. The name is derived from the words "gök" meaning "sky" and "han" meaning "k...

#6 Gokka

First name • forenames > gokka

The origin of the first name "Gokka" is not readily available or commonly known.

#7 Goksu

First name • forenames > goksu

The origin of the name Goksu is Turkish. It is a compound name derived from two elements: "Gök" which means sky or heaven in Turkish, and "Su" which means water. Therefore, the na...

#8 Goksunlular

First name • forenames > goksunlular

No data available.

#9 Gokul desai

First name • forenames > gokul-desai

The first name Gokul is of Indian origin, specifically Sanskrit. It is a male given name that means "cowherd village." Desai is an Indian surname that is commonly associated with t...

#10 Gokul raje

First name • forenames > gokul-raje

The name "Gokul Raje" is of Indian origin. "Gokul" is a word from Sanskrit meaning "cow herder" or "the village of Lord Krishna." "Raje" is a Marathi and Hindi surname meaning "kin...

#11 Gokul rathod

First name • forenames > gokul-rathod

The name Gokul Rathod is of Indian origin. "Gokul" is a Hindu name meaning "a place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood" and "Rathod" is a surname commonly found in the Indian s...

#12 Gokul singh

First name • forenames > gokul-singh

The first name "Gokul" is of Indian origin, derived from Sanskrit. It is a popular name in Hindu culture and is often associated with Lord Krishna. "Singh" is a common surname in I...

#13 Gokulkannaiah

First name • forenames > gokulkannaiah

The name GokulKannaiah is of Indian origin. It is a combination of the names Gokul, which means "cowherd village" in Sanskrit, and Kannaiah, which is a South Indian name meaning "b...

#14 Gokulprasad

First name • forenames > gokulprasad

The name Gokulprasad originates from India. It is a combination of two Sanskrit words, "Gokul," which refers to a village where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood, an...

#15 Gokuss

First name • forenames > gokuss

The name Goku is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the character Son Goku in the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West.