Find out how popular the first name Koto has been for the last 2 years (from 2017 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Koto by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Koto is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Koto.

The history of the first name Koto

The name Koto has its origins in the Japanese language, where it has been used as a given name for centuries. It is believed to have derived from the Japanese word "koto," which refers to a traditional Japanese stringed instrument resembling a zither or horizontal harp.

In ancient Japan, the koto was an important instrument in court music and traditional ceremonies. The name Koto may have been given to children, particularly girls, as a way to symbolize grace, elegance, and cultural refinement associated with the instrument and its music.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Koto can be found in the Kojiki, an ancient chronicle of Japanese history and mythology written in the early 8th century. In this text, there is a reference to a woman named Koto no Ominakatsu, who was a priestess and court musician during the reign of Emperor Yuryaku in the 5th century.

Throughout Japanese history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Koto. One example is Koto no Naishi, a renowned waka poet and court lady who lived during the Heian period (794-1185). Her poetic works were included in the prestigious imperial anthology of poetry, the Gosenshū.

Another historical figure with the name Koto was Koto no Sumiyoshi, a legendary female warrior and skilled archer who is said to have fought alongside the legendary Prince Yamato Takeru in the late 2nd century. Her bravery and martial prowess were celebrated in various folktales and legends.

In the realm of traditional Japanese arts, one notable figure with the name Koto was Koto no Moronao, a renowned master of the tea ceremony and calligrapher who lived during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). He is credited with establishing the influential Urasenke school of tea ceremony.

Another historical figure named Koto was Koto Matsunaga, a influential daimyo (feudal lord) and military commander who played a significant role in the Sengoku period (1467-1615), a tumultuous era of civil war and political upheaval in Japan.

While the name Koto has its origins in Japanese culture, it has also been adopted and used in other parts of the world, particularly among those with an appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and traditions. However, its historical roots and significance remain deeply tied to its Japanese heritage.

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

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

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