The given name Meiko is of Japanese origin and can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE) in Japan. It is derived from the Japanese words "mei", meaning "beautiful" or "bright", and "ko", a common suffix used in Japanese names to denote a child or a diminutive form.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Meiko can be found in the 11th century literary classic, "The Tale of Genji", written by the renowned Japanese novelist Murasaki Shikibu. In this work, Meiko is mentioned as the name of a minor character, a lady-in-waiting to one of the protagonists.

Throughout Japanese history, several notable individuals have borne the name Meiko. One such figure was Meiko Nishizawa (1874-1963), a pioneering Japanese feminist and educator who advocated for women's rights and established several educational institutions for women in the early 20th century.

Another prominent Meiko was Meiko Kaji (1924-2022), a Japanese actress and singer who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. She appeared in numerous films and television shows, and her melodious voice captivated audiences across Japan.

In the realm of traditional Japanese arts, Meiko Inoue (born 1986) is a renowned Nihon Buyo (Japanese classical dance) performer and instructor. She has received numerous accolades for her graceful and skilled performances, showcasing the beauty of this ancient art form.

Meiko Harada (born 1979) is a former professional tennis player from Japan who achieved notable success on the international stage. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 18 in the world and won three singles titles on the WTA Tour.

While the name Meiko has its roots in Japanese culture, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly among those with an appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and traditions.