Asuka is a Japanese given name of both masculine and feminine use. The name originates from the Japanese words "asa" meaning "morning" and "ka" meaning "fragrance". Thus, Asuka means "morning fragrance".
The name Asuka has a rich history in Japan. It is often associated with the ancient capital city of Asuka, located in the southern part of the Yamato Province (now Nara Prefecture). The city was established as the capital of Japan in 538 AD and remained so for about a century before the seat of power was moved to Nagaoka-kyō. This early historical significance has made the name Asuka popular among Japanese families.
In addition, the name Asuka has gained international recognition due to its use in various forms of media. For instance, it is the name of a character from the popular anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion". This has contributed to the global popularity of the name.
Overall, Asuka is a name with a deep-rooted historical background and a beautiful meaning that has transcended borders thanks to its usage in various forms of media.
"The name Asuka experienced a significant increase in popularity between 1993 and 2005, with a peak of 13 births in 1993 and another peak of 11 births in 2009. However, the number of births has since declined, with only 6 births recorded in 2017 and 5 births in both 2018 and 2022."