Toshiko is a Japanese given name for females. Its origin can be traced back to ancient Japan where names were often chosen based on their meanings and associations with positive virtues or natural elements.
The name Toshiko consists of two kanji characters: "toshi" (年) which means year, and "ko" (子) which means child. Therefore, the literal meaning of Toshiko is "child of the year." This name was often given to girls born during important years or seasons in the traditional Japanese lunar calendar.
The use of the name Toshiko can be traced back to at least the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. It has been a popular choice among parents due to its positive connotation and simplicity. However, it is not as common today as some other Japanese female names like Saki or Yumi.
One notable figure bearing this name is Toshiko Akiyoshi, a renowned jazz pianist and composer who played a significant role in the development of jazz music in Japan during the mid-20th century. Her achievements have contributed to making the name Toshiko more recognizable both within Japan and internationally.
In summary, Toshiko is a Japanese female given name with an ancient origin that signifies positivity and simplicity. Its historical significance and association with notable figures make it an intriguing choice for parents seeking unique names for their daughters.
The name Toshiko has a unique history of popularity in the United States over the past century. From 1911 to 2020, there were a total of 799 babies named Toshiko, with the highest number of births occurring in 1915, when 33 babies were named Toshiko.
The name's popularity peaked between 1914 and 1916, during which time it was given to an average of 32 babies per year. However, after 1927, the number of babies named Toshiko began to decline steadily, reaching a low point in 1984 with only five births that year.
Despite its decline in popularity, the name Toshiko has continued to be used occasionally throughout the decades, with a few notable spikes in usage occurring in years like 1972 and 1978. Overall, while Toshiko may not be one of the most popular names in recent years, it remains a distinctive and historically significant choice for parents in the United States.