Reiko is a feminine given name of Japanese origin. It is composed of two kanji characters: "lei" (麗), which means "beautiful," and "ko" (子), which means "child." Therefore, the name Reiko literally translates to "beautiful child."
The name Reiko has been popular in Japan for many decades, with its first notable appearance being in the late 19th century. It gained significant popularity during the early to mid-20th century, particularly after World War II. Today, it remains a widely used name in Japan and is also found among Japanese communities around the world.
One of the most famous individuals named Reiko is Reiko Yoshida, a Japanese anime director and screenwriter known for her work on popular series such as "Natsume Yuujinchou" and "K-On!". This further contributes to the name's popularity and recognition.
Overall, the name Reiko carries a positive connotation due to its direct translation of "beautiful child," making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful and aesthetically pleasing name for their daughter.
The name Reiko has seen a steady presence in the United States over the past few decades. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there were six babies named Reiko in both 1975 and 2008. This suggests that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent level of usage among parents.
However, recent years have shown a slight increase in the popularity of the name Reiko. In 2021, there were seven babies named Reiko, marking a new high for this name in the United States. This could indicate that the name is gaining traction and may continue to see an uptick in usage in the coming years.
Overall, the total number of births with the name Reiko in the United States since 1975 stands at nineteen. While this may seem like a small number compared to more popular names, it demonstrates that the name Reiko has had a consistent and continuous presence among American babies over time.