Sayoko is a feminine given name of Japanese origin. It is composed of two kanji characters: "sayou" (小容) meaning "small" and "ko" (子) meaning "child". Therefore, the name Sayoko can be translated to mean "little child".
The name Sayoko was first used during the Edo period (1603-1868), but it gained popularity during the Taisho era (1912-1926). It was especially popular among families of the lower classes, such as farmers and artisans. This could be because the name has a simple and modest sound to it, which might have appealed to these families.
Sayoko is also used as a surname in Japan, but it is much less common than as a given name. There are no significant historical figures or cultural references associated with the name Sayoko, but it is still considered a traditional Japanese name that has been passed down through generations.
In recent years, the name Sayoko has seen a decline in popularity in Japan. According to data from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, only five girls were named Sayoko in 2018, compared to over 300 per year during the 1960s and 70s.
Despite its decreasing popularity, Sayoko remains a beautiful and meaningful name that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history.
The statistics for the name Sayoko in the United States from 1919 to 1927 show a total of 32 births over this eight-year period. The highest number of births occurred in 1924 and 1927, with seven babies named Sayoko each year. The years 1919, 1921, and 1922 saw the birth of eight, five, and five girls respectively who were given this name. These figures provide insight into the popularity and usage of the name Sayoko during this time period in the United States.