Kimiko is a Japanese given name for females. It originates from the combination of two Japanese words: "Kimi" meaning "you" or "royal", and "Ko" which signifies "child". Therefore, Kimiko literally translates to "your child".
The name Kimiko has a rich history in Japan and can be traced back centuries. It was commonly used during the Meiji era (1868-1912), when Japanese culture experienced significant changes due to Western influence. Despite its traditional roots, Kimiko remained popular throughout the 20th century and continues to be a favorite among modern parents today.
One notable figure named Kimiko is Kimiko Date-Krumm, a former professional tennis player from Japan who gained prominence during the 1980s and 1990s. Her successful career has undoubtedly contributed to the popularity of this beautiful name in recent years.
In addition to its meaning and historical significance, many people are drawn to Kimiko because it possesses an elegant sound that is both melodic and easy to pronounce. This, coupled with its Japanese origins, gives it a unique cultural appeal that transcends age and time.
Overall, Kimiko is not only a lovely name but also one rich in history and meaning, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking something special and distinctive for their child.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Kimiko over time:
From 1909 to 2023, there have been a total of 1796 babies named Kimiko born in the United States. The popularity of this name has fluctuated significantly over the years.
The first peak in popularity occurred between 1922 and 1924, with 155 births registered during these three years alone. In fact, the year 1923 saw the highest number of Kimikos born that decade, with a total of 37 births recorded.
After a steady decline in popularity throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the name Kimiko started to regain traction during the 1960s. Between 1960 and 1969, there were around 85 babies named Kimiko born each year on average.
However, it wasn't until the early 1980s that Kimiko became truly popular again. From 1980 to 2000, over 70% of all Kimikos (1239 out of 1796) were born. The years 1980 and 1981 saw a significant surge in popularity, with 56 and 80 births respectively – the highest numbers ever recorded at that time.
Despite this resurgence in popularity, Kimiko's appeal seems to have waned since then. From 2001 onwards, there have been fewer than 30 Kimikos born each year on average, with only two exceptions: 2020 (with 23 births) and most recently, 2023 (with an impressive 35 births).
It will be interesting to see if this recent spike in popularity continues into the future. Only time will tell whether Kimiko becomes a popular choice among American parents once again!