Maiko first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Maiko has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Maiko

A feminine Japanese name meaning "dance child" or "dancing child".

Popularity of Maiko by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Maiko is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 68% of people named Maiko being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Maiko.

It's also interesting to see that despite Maiko being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Maiko.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 6 0
2013 6 0
2012 6 0
2011 5 0
2003 0 5
1999 6 0
1997 5 6
1994 0 6
1993 0 5
1992 0 8
1990 0 6
1989 0 5
1985 0 5
1984 0 7
1977 0 7
1976 0 6
1974 0 5

The history of the first name Maiko

The name Maiko originates from Japanese culture and language. It is a feminine given name that holds cultural significance and has been in use for centuries. The name Maiko is comprised of two Japanese words: "mai" meaning dance, and "ko" meaning child. Traditionally, it referred to an apprentice geisha, a young woman in training to become a full-fledged geisha, an esteemed entertainer in classical Japanese art forms.

While the name Maiko has its roots in Japanese culture, it has been documented in various ancient texts and historical records. One of the earliest mentions of the term "maiko" can be found in the Genji Monogatari, a classic work of Japanese literature written in the early 11th century by the celebrated author Murasaki Shikibu.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Maiko. One of the most famous was Maiko Kazashi (1908-1998), a prominent Japanese actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions during the 1920s and 1930s. She was widely acclaimed for her performances and became a cultural icon in Japan.

Another historical figure named Maiko was Maiko Daidō (1916-1992), a renowned Japanese artist known for her intricate woodblock prints and paintings. Her works captured the beauty of traditional Japanese culture and landscapes, earning her international recognition and numerous awards.

In the realm of literature, Maiko Shizuno (1923-2006) was a celebrated Japanese novelist and poet. Her works often explored themes of identity, relationships, and the complexities of human emotion. She received several prestigious literary awards throughout her career, including the Noma Literary Prize.

Moving to the world of sports, Maiko Isshiki (born 1976) is a former Japanese long-distance runner who specialized in marathon events. She achieved notable success, winning the prestigious Boston Marathon in 2001 and representing Japan at multiple Olympic Games.

Another notable figure bearing the name Maiko was Maiko Ogawa (born 1980), a Japanese voice actress known for her work in various anime series and video games. Her captivating vocal performances have earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim within the Japanese entertainment industry.

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

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

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"Maiko first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 20, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/maiko-meaning-and-history/.

"Maiko first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/maiko-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 20 June, 2025

Maiko first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/maiko-meaning-and-history/.

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