Yuko is a Japanese given name for females. It originates from the combination of two Kanji characters: "Yo" which means "good," and "ko" which means "child." Therefore, the meaning of Yuko is "good child."
The name Yuko has been used in Japan for centuries, but it gained popularity during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when Japan opened up to Western influences. During this time, many Japanese people adopted Western-style names, and Yuko was one of the popular choices among females.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Yuko. One famous example is Yuko Arima, a Japanese actress who gained international recognition for her role in the film "Rashomon" directed by Akira Kurosawa. Another prominent figure is Yuko Maki, a former member of the Japanese idol group AKB48.
Today, Yuko remains a popular name among Japanese parents, and it has also gained some popularity internationally due to global exposure through pop culture, such as anime and manga. Despite its popularity, Yuko retains its uniqueness and cultural significance rooted in Japanese tradition and history.
The name Yuko has seen a varied number of births over the years in the United States. The highest year for newborns with this name was 1986, with a total of 13 births recorded that year. Conversely, some years saw significantly fewer births with this name, such as 1974 and 2005-2007, where only 5 births were recorded each year.
The data shows an interesting trend over time, with periods of increased popularity followed by decreases in usage. For instance, the name Yuko saw a peak in popularity during the late 1980s before declining in frequency throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Despite fluctuations in its popularity, Yuko has remained a unique choice for parents over the years, with a total of 157 births recorded since 1969. This statistic reflects the enduring appeal of this name among those seeking distinctive options for their children's names.