All about the name

Setsuko

Female

« Setsuko is a traditional Japanese female name meaning "pure child", popularized during the Edo period and held by notable figures like poet Setsuko Inouye and Princess Setsuko. »

#14350 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Setsuko is a feminine Japanese given name that originated from the kanji characters せつ (setsu), meaning "pure," and 子 (ko), meaning "child." Therefore, Setsuko can be translated as "pure child." This name has been popular in Japan for many decades and has been carried by numerous notable individuals throughout history. The earliest known use of the name Setsuko dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. One of the most famous historical figures with this name is Setsuko Inouye, a poet from the Taisho era (1912-1926). She was known for her tanka poetry and contributions to modern Japanese literature. Setsuko has also been used by several members of the Japanese imperial family. Princess Setsuko, born in 1909, was the third daughter of Emperor Taisho and Empress Teimei. She married Prince Kuninomiya Naruhito in 1928, becoming Princess Higashikuni. Their daughter, also named Setsuko, was born in 1935. In popular culture, Setsuko has been used as a character name in various films and anime productions. One notable example is the animated film "Spirited Away" (2001) by Studio Ghibli, where Setsuko is the protagonist's younger sister. Overall, Setsuko is a charming and historically significant Japanese feminine given name with a meaningful translation that has been carried by many influential individuals throughout history.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Setsuko since 1880

Total births
347
Total since 1880
Peak year
1928
36 births
in 1945
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years