Find out how popular the first name Akoya has been for the last 11 years (from 2009 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Akoya by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Akoya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Akoya.

The history of the first name Akoya

The name Akoya has its roots in Japanese culture and language. It is derived from the Japanese word "akoya," which refers to a type of saltwater pearl cultivated in the waters around Japan's Shima Peninsula. The name likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, when the cultivation of akoya pearls became a thriving industry in Japan.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Akoya can be found in the historical records of the Mikimoto Pearl Company, founded by Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893. Mikimoto is credited with developing the techniques for cultivating akoya pearls, and his company played a significant role in popularizing the pearls both in Japan and internationally.

Throughout history, the name Akoya has been associated with individuals involved in the pearl industry or those who appreciated the beauty and value of these precious gems. For example, Akoya Uchiyama (1883-1959) was a renowned Japanese pearl farmer and entrepreneur who contributed significantly to the development of the akoya pearl industry in Japan.

Another notable figure was Akoya Takahashi (1901-1987), a Japanese jeweler and gemologist who dedicated her life to studying and promoting the art of pearl cultivation. Her work helped to establish Japan as a leading producer of high-quality pearls in the global market.

In the realm of literature, the name Akoya appears in the novel "The Pearl Diver" by Masako Katori, published in 1964. The book explores the life and traditions of the ama divers, a group of women who were renowned for their skill in harvesting pearls from the ocean floor in Japan.

Moving beyond Japan, the name Akoya has also been used by individuals in other parts of the world, though its cultural significance may differ. For example, Akoya Mahadevi (1924-2007) was an Indian mystic and poet who wrote extensively about spiritual enlightenment and the pursuit of inner peace.

While the name Akoya is not as common as some other Japanese names, it has maintained a unique and enduring connection to the rich cultural heritage of pearl cultivation and the appreciation of natural beauty throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Akoya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Akoya, please contact us.

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