Fusako is a Japanese given name for females. Its origin lies in Japan's rich cultural history and linguistic traditions. The name Fusako consists of two kanji characters: "Fu" (不) which means 'not' or 'no', and "Sako" (早子), which comes from the verb "saku" (早く) meaning 'early' combined with the suffix "-ko" (子) meaning 'child'.
The name Fusako literally translates to 'not early child'. However, it is often interpreted as 'a child not born yet', suggesting patience and hope for future offspring. This interpretation may be influenced by its association with the Shinto deity Inari, who was believed to ensure prosperity and fertility.
The use of the name Fusako dates back to at least the Meiji era (1868-1912), when it began to appear in official records. However, its popularity peaked during the post-World War II baby boom era, particularly in rural areas where large families were common.
Today, Fusako remains a less common but not uncommon name in Japan. It is often found among older generations and may evoke a sense of nostalgia or tradition for some. Despite its literal translation, many people with this name prefer the interpretation 'a child born at the right time', reflecting their belief that each person has their own unique destiny and timing.
Here are some statistics regarding the name Fusako based on birth records from the United States:
From 1913 to 1929, there were a total of 147 babies named Fusako born in the U.S., with the number of births varying annually. The years with the highest number of Fusako births were 1920 and 1923, with 20 and 19 births respectively.
The peak popularity of the name occurred in 1920, followed by a decline in the subsequent years:
* In 1915, there were 6 births.
* The numbers increased to 10 in 1916 and remained relatively high until peaking at 20 births in 1920.
After 1920, the popularity of the name started to decrease:
* There were 14 births in 1921 and 19 births in 1922.
* By 1925, the number of births had decreased to 12.
* This decline continued until reaching a low of 5 births each in 1930 and 1931.
These statistics demonstrate that while Fusako was popular for a brief period around the early 1920s, its popularity declined significantly by the late 1920s and early 1930s.