Eiko is a Japanese given name of both masculine and feminine usage. It is composed of the kanji characters "栄" (eihō, "prosperous" or "flourishing") and "光" (kō, "light"). Therefore, its meaning can be interpreted as "prosperous light".
The name Eiko has a rich history in Japan. It was traditionally used for both boys and girls until the mid-20th century when it became more commonly used for females due to the influence of popular culture, such as literature and theater. Today, Eiko is predominantly used as a feminine name.
Some notable individuals named Eiko include:
* Eiko Japanese-American sculptor who worked primarily in bronze.
* Eiko Ishioka, a Japanese-American costume designer and music video director who won an Academy Award for her work on the film "Bram Stoker's Dracula".
* Eiko Matteson, an American actress known for her role in the television series "Ryan's Hope".
Despite its popularity in Japan, Eiko is relatively uncommon outside of the country. However, it has gained some international recognition due to the achievements of individuals like those listed above.
In conclusion, Eiko is a Japanese given name with a beautiful and meaningful origin. Its prosperity and light interpretations make it a suitable choice for both boys and girls, although it is more commonly used for females today. With its rich history and notable individuals, Eiko remains a timeless and elegant name option.
Here are the statistics concerning the name Eiko:
From 1915 to 1926, the number of births varied between 5 and 18 annually. After a gap of several years with no reported births, there were occasional occurrences in the late 30s, 40s, and even one in the 70s, with two more recorded in recent times (2018). Altogether, there have been 195 births with the name Eiko over this period.