Nobuko is a Japanese given name of feminine origin. It was popularized during the Heian period in Japan's history, which spanned from 794 to 1185 AD. The name Nobuko consists of two kanji characters: "noble" (no) and "child" (ko). Therefore, its meaning can be translated as "noble child". This name was often given to royal or noble daughters during the Heian period due to its elegant and prestigious connotation.
The name Nobuko also has historical significance in Japan. It is notably associated with Empress Shoken, who ruled Japan from 1200 to 1204 AD. Her personal name was Nobuko, which she chose as a reflection of her noble status and graceful nature. Throughout Japanese history, several other notable women have carried the name Nobuko, further cementing its association with elegance, nobility, and grace.
Today, Nobuko remains a popular given name in Japan, often chosen by parents who wish to evoke the traditional virtues and beauty associated with this historical name. While it may not be as widely known outside of Japan, Nobuko carries a rich heritage and meaning that continues to resonate with families and individuals alike.
The name Nobuko has been given to a total of 371 babies born in the United States between 1915 and 1941, according to the statistics provided. The name's popularity fluctuated over this period, with some years seeing more births than others.
In the early years, from 1915 to 1920, the number of births was relatively low, with only 11 to 22 babies named Nobuko each year. However, there was a significant increase in popularity between 1924 and 1926, with 33, 28, and 27 births respectively.
The name maintained some level of popularity throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, with an average of around 20 births per year. There was another spike in popularity in 1933, with 12 births that year.
After 1935, the number of babies named Nobuko began to decline steadily, reaching a low point in 1937 and 1940 with only 5 and 6 births respectively. This trend continued into the early 1940s, suggesting that the name may have fallen out of fashion during this time period.
Overall, while Nobuko was not one of the most popular names during this era in the United States, it did maintain some level of popularity for several decades, with a total of over three hundred babies receiving the name.