Find out how popular the first name Hinako has been for the last 20 years (from 1997 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hinako by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Hinako is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Hinako.

The history of the first name Hinako

The name Hinako has its origins in Japanese culture and language. It is a feminine given name that combines the Japanese words "hi" meaning sun or light, and "nako" meaning child or offspring. The name can be interpreted to mean "child of light" or "sunny child."

In ancient Japanese texts and folklore, the sun played a significant role and was often personified as a deity or revered as a source of life and warmth. The inclusion of "hi" in the name Hinako may reflect this cultural significance and reverence for the sun.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hinako can be traced back to the late 17th century, when it was used for a daughter of a prominent samurai family. Throughout the Edo period (1603-1868), the name gained popularity among the nobility and upper classes in Japan.

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), as Japan underwent rapid modernization and Westernization, the name Hinako continued to be favored by families seeking to preserve traditional Japanese values and cultural heritage.

Notable individuals named Hinako throughout history include:

1. Hinako Sugiura (1894-1984), a Japanese novelist and poet known for her works exploring themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

2. Hinako Inui (1945-2019), a renowned Japanese actress who appeared in numerous films, television series, and stage productions over her six-decade career.

3. Hinako Shibuno (born 1999), a professional golfer from Japan who won the 2019 Women's British Open at the age of 20, becoming one of the youngest major champions in the sport's history.

4. Hinako Tanaka (born 1988), a Japanese professional tennis player who has won multiple singles and doubles titles on the ITF Women's Circuit.

5. Hinako Sakurai (born 1983), a Japanese voice actress known for her work in anime series such as "K-On!" and "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU."

The name Hinako has maintained its popularity in Japan over the centuries, with parents often choosing it for their daughters as a way to honor Japanese heritage and cultural traditions while also conveying a sense of warmth, light, and positivity.

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 Hinako was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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