Kayoko is a Japanese given name of feminine gender. The name has two possible origins and meanings.
The first origin is that Kayoko is derived from the Japanese name Kaori, which means "fragrant" or "smell". In this case, Kayoko could be interpreted as a variation of Kaori, possibly implying something similar to "aromatic" or "scented".
The second possible origin for Kayoko is that it is a combination of two elements: the Japanese prefix "kayo-" meaning "elegant" or "graceful", and "-ko", which is a common feminine suffix used in Japanese names. If this is the case, then Kayoko could be interpreted as meaning "elegant child".
The name Kayoko has not been widely recorded throughout history, so there is no significant historical figure associated with it. However, it has been used periodically in Japan and among the Japanese diaspora.
In terms of popularity, Kayoko is not a particularly common name in Japan or internationally. According to data from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, only 297 babies were named Kayoko in Japan between 2011 and 2020. This ranks it as the 856th most popular name for girls during that period.
Overall, Kayoko is a relatively uncommon Japanese given name with two possible meanings depending on its origin. It has not been widely used throughout history but continues to be chosen periodically by parents in Japan and abroad.
Kayoko is a unique name that has seen limited use in the United States, with only five recorded births in 1921. Despite its rarity, Kayoko has been steadily gaining popularity over time. While it remains an uncommon name today, with fewer than 30 babies being named Kayoko each year since 2008, there is a small but dedicated group of parents who continue to choose this distinctive moniker for their daughters.
The name Kayoko was particularly popular in the early-to-mid 20th century, peaking at its highest point in 1923 with eight births. However, even during this brief period of popularity, Kayoko remained relatively uncommon compared to other names of the time. Between 1920 and 1940, only around 60 babies were named Kayoko in total.
Interestingly, while Kayoko has been more commonly used among families with Japanese heritage, it has also gained some traction amongst non-Japanese families who appreciate its unique sound and meaning. This can be seen in the wide range of last names associated with the name Kayoko, which vary greatly across different states and regions within the United States.
Today, Kayoko is still an uncommon name but one that carries a certain charm due to its rarity. It continues to be chosen by parents who wish for their daughter to have a distinctive identity and perhaps even appreciate the rich history behind this unique moniker. As such, while the total number of births with the name Kayoko remains low at around five per year since 2016, there is still value in exploring and celebrating these statistical trends related to this uncommon yet captivating name.