Aiko is a female given name of Japanese origin. It is composed of two kanji characters, "ai" (愛) meaning love, and "ko" (子) meaning child. Therefore, the name Aiko translates to "child of love."
The name Aiko has been used in Japan for centuries and was particularly popular during the Edo period (1603-1868). It gained international recognition in the 20th century due to several notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous is Aiko Yosano, a poet and writer who played a significant role in promoting women's rights and education in Japan.
Today, Aiko continues to be a popular choice among parents in Japan, as well as other countries where Japanese culture has had an influence. It is considered a name that signifies affection and nurturing, reflecting the deep love and care for children in Japanese culture. While it may seem simple, Aiko carries a profound meaning rooted in centuries of tradition.
The name Aiko experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the century from 1912 to 2023, with a total of 1644 births recorded during this period. The highest number of births occurred recently, with 77 babies named Aiko born in 2023, marking a notable resurgence in popularity after several decades of varying popularity. The peak years for the name were in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with particularly high numbers in 2009 (50 births), 2018 (31 births), and 2020-2022 (47, 56, and 53 births respectively). Conversely, the name's popularity was at its lowest in the mid-20th century, with fewer than 10 births recorded annually between 1930 and 1943.