Find out how popular the first name Kikyo has been for the last 6 years (from 2007 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kikyo by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Kikyo is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kikyo.

The history of the first name Kikyo

The name Kikyo has its origins in Japanese culture and language. It is derived from the Japanese words "kiku" meaning chrysanthemum and "yo" meaning world or generation. The chrysanthemum has been a significant symbol in Japan for centuries, associated with longevity and rejuvenation.

Kikyo is an ancient name that can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE) in Japan. During this time, the name appeared in various classical Japanese literature and poetry, often used as a symbolic name for female characters representing beauty, grace, and resilience.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kikyo can be found in the 11th century literary classic, "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu. In this epic novel, Kikyo is the name of a character known for her exceptional beauty and tragic fate.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Kikyo. One of the earliest recorded was Kikyo Nakanoin (1144-1201), a Japanese court lady and poet during the late Heian period. Her collection of waka poetry, "Kikyo Shū," is considered a significant literary work of its time.

Another prominent figure with the name Kikyo was Kikyo Yamana (1599-1626), a Japanese noblewoman and Buddhist nun during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. She is remembered for her patronage of the arts and her influential role in the development of Japanese tea ceremony culture.

In the 19th century, Kikyo Tsumura (1828-1904) was a pioneering Japanese educator and feminist. She established one of the first private schools for girls in Japan and advocated for women's education and empowerment.

Kikyo Koga (1901-1989) was a renowned Japanese actress and singer active in the early 20th century. She is recognized for her contributions to the development of Japanese cinema and her performances in both traditional Kabuki theater and modern films.

Kikyo Wakabayashi (1938-1983) was a Japanese writer and activist. Her semi-autobiographical novel, "The Ainu Mosir," shed light on the struggles and cultural identity of the indigenous Ainu people of Japan, earning her critical acclaim and recognition.

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

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

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