Japanese Names

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家康
Ieyasu
いえやす

Meaning

House peace

Writing

Kanji: 家康  · Hiragana: いえやす  · Romaji: Ieyasu

Gender

Male name

Rank

#110 most popular given name in Japan

Era group

This entry is placed in the samurai-era group — names this site groups with the Edo period and earlier.

Famous in Anime / Pop Culture

Ieyasu Tokugawa

Element

This site files this name under abstract.

Related Names

Where this page’s information comes from

  • Kanji, readings and meanings on this page come from this site’s own dataset, compiled 23 August 2026. They are not taken from an official register.
  • Ranking figures carry no published source and no reference date. Where our records disagreed, the number is withheld and the entry is marked under review.
  • The groupings on this site — era group, theme, and the cute / cool / traditional tags — are this site’s own grouping, not an official designation.
  • We have not yet checked these entries against an official list. Corrections are welcome through our Contact page and are checked before anything is changed.

A field left blank, or marked under review, means we have not yet confirmed it against a source — it does not mean the name lacks that attribute. Corrections are welcome through our Contact page.

Ieyasu is a masculine Japanese given name composed of kanji meaning "house" and "peace," forming an abstract concept representing domestic stability and societal harmony. This name ranks 110 among popular Japanese male choices and holds extraordinary historical significance as one of Japan's most influential figures. Tokugawa Ieyasu was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, establishing a dynasty that ruled Japan for over two and a half centuries. His political legacy fundamentally shaped modern Japanese society, making Ieyasu a name synonymous with visionary leadership, patience, and long-term strategic planning.

Ieyasu emerged as a naming choice during Japan's feudal period, but the specific historical figure bearing this name revolutionized Japanese governance and culture. Living from 1543 to 1616, Tokugawa Ieyasu rose from modest origins to become Japan's most powerful leader through decades of careful strategy and military conquest. Following the tumultuous Warring States period, Ieyasu established unprecedented peace and stability that lasted throughout the Edo period until the nineteenth century. The name became forever associated with patience, strategic brilliance, and the capacity to transform chaos into lasting order. Subsequent generations honored this legacy, making Ieyasu a perpetually respected choice reflecting aspirations toward wisdom and stability.

What distinguishes Ieyasu is its representation of transformative leadership and visionary long-term thinking. The kanji combination meaning "house peace" carries implications of creating stability that endures across generations, a concept central to Ieyasu's historical accomplishments. The name suggests both domestic virtue and public responsibility, appealing to parents seeking names with meaning extending beyond individual merit. The two-character structure maintains linguistic accessibility while embodying profound concepts of leadership and sustainable governance. This philosophical depth makes the name attractive to those appreciating Japanese historical values and political wisdom.

Ieyasu maintains exceptional recognition throughout Japan and internationally among history scholars and Japanese culture enthusiasts. Tokugawa Ieyasu features prominently in samurai history texts, academic studies, and historical documentaries widely available to English-speaking audiences. Japan's numerous historical sites, museums, and temples associated with the Tokugawa era extensively document this influential figure's life and accomplishments. International visitors can readily explore Ieyasu's legacy at castles, shrines, and educational institutions throughout Japan, making the name's historical and cultural significance readily accessible to curious international audiences.