Masako is a beautiful and unique Japanese given name that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the kanji characters "正" (masa) which means "correct", "proper", or "right", and "子" (ko) which means "child". Therefore, Masako can be translated to mean "proper child".
The name Masako is believed to have originated during the Heian period (794-1185), when it was used as a women's given name. It was also popular among the aristocracy and imperial family during this time.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Masako was Empress Masako, who was the consort of Emperor Go-Reizei. She was known for her intelligence, beauty, and elegance, and is still revered in Japanese history today.
Throughout the years, the name Masako has remained popular among Japanese families due to its positive meaning and rich historical significance. It is often given to daughters in the hope that they will grow up to be proper and well-behaved young women.
While Masako is primarily used as a female name in Japan, it can also be used as a male name with the same meaning. However, it is much more commonly used for females.
In summary, Masako is a traditional Japanese given name that means "proper child". It has been used for centuries and has a rich historical significance, making it a popular choice among Japanese families even today.
The name Masako has a rich history of usage in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over the years. Between 1909 and 1943, there were a total of 821 babies named Masako. The name first gained traction in 1912 with 18 births, followed by a significant increase to 34 births in both 1913 and 1914, indicating a period of popularity for the name during that time.
The name's peak popularity occurred between 1915 and 1921, with consistent numbers of babies named Masako each year, ranging from 34 to 58 births annually. However, after this peak, the number of babies named Masako began to decline steadily. Between 1930 and 1937, there were between 5 and 17 births per year, with a notable dip in popularity during the early 1930s.
After several decades without any recorded births with the name Masako, it resurfaced in 1971 with 5 births. This trend continued sporadically throughout the late 20th century, with another spike in popularity in 1976 (7 births) and a single year of notable usage in 1993 (5 births). Overall, while Masako may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, its historical usage and periodic resurgence demonstrate that it has maintained a consistent, albeit small, presence over time.