Find out how popular the first name Kanako has been for the last 13 years (from 1993 to 2005) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kanako by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Kanako is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2005, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kanako.

The history of the first name Kanako

The name Kanako is of Japanese origin, derived from the words "ka" meaning "fragrance" or "aroma", and "ko" meaning "child". It is a feminine name that has been in use for centuries in Japan, often given to girls born in the spring or early summer months when the air is filled with the sweet scents of blooming flowers.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kanako can be found in the Kojiki, an ancient chronicle of Japanese history and mythology dating back to the early 8th century. It mentions a princess named Kanako who was the daughter of Emperor Ojin, the 15th emperor of Japan who reigned in the 4th century AD.

In the Edo period (1603-1868), the name Kanako gained popularity among the samurai class and aristocracy. One notable figure from this time was Kanako Arima (1598-1666), a renowned female poet and calligrapher who was highly regarded for her artistic talents and literary contributions.

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), the name Kanako became more widespread among the general population. One famous individual was Kanako Okamoto (1889-1939), a pioneering feminist and journalist who advocated for women's rights and played a significant role in the Japanese women's suffrage movement.

In more recent history, Kanako Enomoto (1928-2022) was a celebrated Japanese author and essayist known for her insightful writings on contemporary society and women's issues. Her works, which often explored themes of identity and self-discovery, earned her numerous literary awards and widespread acclaim.

Another notable figure was Kanako Inouye (1935-2008), a renowned Japanese classical pianist who performed extensively worldwide and was praised for her mastery of works by composers such as Chopin, Debussy, and Ravel. Her interpretations of these composers' pieces were highly regarded for their depth and emotional resonance.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Kanako, a name that has endured for centuries and continues to be a popular choice in Japan for its beautiful meaning and cultural significance.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!