Find out how popular the first name Miyako has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Miyako by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Miyako is exclusively a female name.

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

The history of the first name Miyako

The name Miyako has its origins in the Japanese language and culture, dating back to the 8th century AD. The name is derived from the Japanese words "mi" meaning beautiful and "yako" meaning night or evening, together signifying a beautiful evening or night.

In ancient Japan, the name Miyako was often associated with the city of Kyoto, which was the imperial capital from 794 AD to 1868 AD. During this period, Kyoto was referred to as the "Miyako" or the capital city, and the name became synonymous with elegance, refinement, and cultural sophistication.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Miyako can be found in the Japanese literary classic, "The Tale of Genji," written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. In this work, Miyako is the name of a prominent character, reflecting the name's popularity among the aristocracy during the Heian period.

Throughout Japanese history, several notable figures have borne the name Miyako. One such individual was Miyako Ishiuchi, a renowned Japanese photographer born in 1947, known for her poetic and introspective works that explore themes of memory, loss, and the ephemeral nature of life.

Another prominent figure was Miyako Matsutoya, a celebrated Japanese singer and songwriter born in 1957, whose music blended traditional Japanese elements with contemporary pop and folk styles. Her contributions to Japanese music earned her numerous accolades and a dedicated following.

In the world of literature, Miyako Sengoku was a prominent Japanese novelist and playwright born in 1939, whose works often explored themes of gender, identity, and societal norms. Her novel "Paradis" won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize in 1978.

Moving to the realm of sports, Miyako Sumiya was a Japanese Olympic swimmer who competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the women's 200-meter breaststroke event.

Lastly, Miyako Nishizawa was a pioneering Japanese architect born in 1944, known for her innovative and sustainable designs that seamlessly integrated traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern architectural principles.

These individuals, spanning various fields and eras, have helped to shape the cultural and historical significance of the name Miyako, a name that continues to evoke a sense of beauty, elegance, and the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

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

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

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