Tsuruko is a Japanese female given name. Its origin and meaning are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history.
The name Tsuruko is composed of two kanji characters: "Tsuru" which means crane, a bird that is considered sacred in Japan due to its longevity and grace; and "Ko" which signifies child or small one. Therefore, the literal translation of Tsuruko would be "Crane Child".
In Japanese culture, cranes are often associated with longevity, fidelity, and good fortune. They are believed to live for a thousand years, making them symbols of long life and happiness. Additionally, their graceful flight is seen as a representation of wisdom and peace.
The name Tsuruko has been used in Japan since ancient times, but it gained popularity during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when many traditional Japanese names were revived and given new meanings based on Western influences.
One notable historical figure with this name is Tsuruko Haraguchi, a pioneering women's rights activist who fought for female education in Japan during the early 20th century. She was one of the first women to attend university in Japan and became an influential educator, advocating for girls' education throughout her career.
Today, Tsuruko remains a popular name among Japanese families, carrying with it the timeless symbolism of cranes and the strength of historical figures like Tsuruko Haraguchi who fought for gender equality. It serves as a beautiful reminder of Japan's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to progress and change.
The name Tsuruko has seen a varied degree of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 185 births recorded between 1909 and 1927.
The highest number of babies named Tsuruko was born in 1915, with 19 newborns sharing this name. This peak was closely followed by 19 births in the previous year (1914) and 16 births in the subsequent year (1916).
Interestingly, there were years when only a handful of babies were named Tsuruko. For instance, there were just 5 births recorded in both 1909 and 1911, indicating that the name was quite uncommon during these periods.
The trend continued to fluctuate over time, with some years seeing more than 10 births (such as 12 births in both 1919 and 1920) while others saw fewer than 10 (with a low of just 6 births in 1926).
Overall, the name Tsuruko experienced varying levels of popularity throughout this time period, with no clear consistent trend upward or downward. It is worth noting that these statistics represent a small fraction of the overall population during this era and do not necessarily reflect the broader trends in naming practices at the time.
It's always fascinating to examine the patterns and frequencies of names over time, as it can provide insights into cultural shifts and personal choices. The data for Tsuruko serves as an interesting snapshot of how this particular name fared in the United States during these specific years.