Kiyoko is a Japanese given name that is predominantly used for females. The name has an elegant and graceful sound to it, which reflects its origins in the Japanese language.
The origin of Kiyoko can be traced back to the Japanese word "kiyo", which means pure or clean, combined with "ko" meaning child. Therefore, the literal translation of Kiyoko is "pure child". This name has been popular among families in Japan for centuries and continues to be a beloved choice today.
The name Kiyoko gained international recognition through various avenues such as literature, music, and film. One notable figure was Kiyoko Mukoda, a renowned Japanese novelist known for her works like "Thirteen Women" and "The Tower of Waves". In addition, Kiyoko Shimizu, a famous Japanese actress who appeared in many films during the 1950s and 60s, also contributed to the popularity of this name.
In popular culture, Kiyoko Matsumoto is a character from the anime series "Sailor Moon" while Kiyoko "Kiwi" Kirishima is a prominent figure in the manga and anime franchise "Yu-Gi-Oh!". These portrayals have further enhanced the appeal of the name Kiyoko among younger generations.
Overall, Kiyoko is a beautiful and meaningful Japanese female given name with deep historical roots. Its literal translation conveys purity and innocence, making it an excellent choice for parents looking to give their daughter a unique yet timeless name.
The name Kiyoko has been given to a total of 905 babies born in the United States over the years. While it experienced periods of popularity and decline, it has consistently remained a unique choice for parents.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that Kiyoko was most popular during the early 20th century, with a peak of 58 births in 1921. This trend continued until the late 1920s and early 1930s, after which the number of babies named Kiyoko decreased significantly.
However, there were occasional spikes in popularity throughout the latter half of the century. For instance, there were 7 births in 1974, and another spike occurred between 2003 and 2009, with an average of 6 births per year during this period.
More recently, Kiyoko has seen a resurgence in popularity, with 13 births recorded in 2013. Since then, the number of babies named Kiyoko has remained consistent, with an average of around 8 births per year from 2017 to 2023.
Overall, while the name Kiyoko may not be as commonly used as some other names, it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its uniqueness and perhaps wish to honor a family member or cultural heritage. The consistent presence of Kiyoko in U.S. birth records over the years reflects the enduring appeal of this distinctive name.