Kumazō

Kumazō is a traditional Japanese male name. The name is formed from the elements 'kuma' (熊), meaning 'bear', and 'zō' (蔵 or 象), which can mean 'storehouse' or 'elephant', but in names often functions as a suffix indicating 'three' or a sturdy, strong individual. Names incorporating animal elements like 'kuma' were historically common in Japan, often given with hopes that the child would embody the animal's characteristics, such as strength or courage.

The 'zō' suffix is also found in other traditional Japanese names, sometimes written with the character 蔵 (storehouse/possess) implying a treasure or something valuable, or 象 (elephant), suggesting strength and grandeur. In the context of Kumazō, it often implies 'third son' or simply adds a robust quality to the name, making 'bear three' a common interpretation, especially if the child was a third son.