Find out how popular the first name Minako has been for the last 16 years (from 2002 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Minako by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Minako is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Minako.

The history of the first name Minako

The given name Minako has its origins in Japanese culture and language. It is a feminine name derived from the Japanese words "mi" meaning beautiful, and "nako" meaning child or offspring. The name can be interpreted as "beautiful child" or "beautiful daughter."

Minako was a popular name in ancient Japan, particularly during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The name is found in some of the earliest Japanese literary works, such as The Tale of Genji, written in the early 11th century by the renowned author Murasaki Shikibu.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Minako was Minako no Shōshō, a Japanese waka poet who lived during the late Heian period in the 12th century. She was known for her contributions to the imperial poetry anthologies of the time.

In the Edo period (1603-1868), Minako was a common name among the samurai class and the nobility. Minako Tsugaru, born in 1675, was a renowned female samurai warrior and martial artist who served the Tsugaru clan in northern Japan.

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Minako Iwasaki, born in 1844, was a prominent geisha and the subject of the book and film "Memoirs of a Geisha." She rose to fame in the prestigious Gion district of Kyoto and was highly regarded for her artistic talents and cultural refinement.

In the modern era, Minako Shibata, born in 1928, is a celebrated Japanese actress and singer who has had a prolific career spanning over six decades in film, television, and theater. She is a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Culture, one of Japan's highest honors for artists.

Minako Yoshida, born in 1984, is a Japanese professional tennis player who has achieved notable success on the WTA Tour. She has won multiple singles and doubles titles and represented Japan in the Olympics and Fed Cup competitions.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Minako, a name steeped in Japanese cultural heritage and tradition, symbolizing beauty and grace.

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

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

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