Find out how popular the first name Kyo has been for the last 20 years (from 2004 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kyo by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Kyo is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kyo.

The history of the first name Kyo

The name Kyo has its origins in Japanese culture, traced back to the 8th century AD. It is derived from the Japanese word "kyō," meaning "capital" or "metropolitan," reflecting the importance of urban centers in ancient Japan. The name was initially associated with residents of major cities like Kyoto, the former imperial capital.

One of the earliest known references to the name Kyo can be found in the Kojiki, an ancient chronicle of Japanese mythology and history compiled in 712 AD. This text mentions several individuals with the name, suggesting its widespread use during that period.

In the 10th century, the famous Japanese poet and courtier Kyo no Sukemichi (935-1011) gained recognition for his contributions to the renowned anthology of Japanese poetry, the Kokin Wakashū. His name, Kyo no Sukemichi, directly translates to "Sukemichi from the capital," further emphasizing the name's connection to urban centers.

During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the name Kyo gained popularity among samurai families, particularly those residing in or near the capital city. One notable figure was Kyo Motonari (1429-1516), a powerful daimyo (feudal lord) who played a significant role in the political affairs of the time.

In the realm of Zen Buddhism, the name Kyo was associated with several influential figures. One such individual was Kyō-ō (1324-1408), a renowned Zen master and calligrapher who founded the Kyōō-an temple in Kyoto.

Another prominent figure bearing the name Kyo was Kyo Machiko (1888-1965), a pioneering Japanese feminist and activist who fought for women's rights and education. She was a prominent figure in the early 20th century and played a crucial role in advancing gender equality in Japan.

While the name Kyo has its roots in ancient Japanese culture, it has transcended borders and found its way into various contexts worldwide. From historical figures to contemporary individuals, the name Kyo carries a rich heritage and a connection to the vibrant urban centers of Japan's past.

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

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

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