Neiko first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Neiko has been for the last 36 years (from 1988 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Neiko

An English variant of the Japanese masculine name Niko meaning "sunshine".

Popularity of Neiko by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Neiko is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 39 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Neiko.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 39 0
2022 28 0
2021 39 0
2020 46 0
2019 25 0
2018 27 0
2017 30 0
2016 25 0
2015 18 0
2014 23 0
2013 34 0
2012 33 0
2011 20 0
2010 24 0
2009 14 0
2008 20 0
2007 8 0
2006 15 0
2005 16 0
2004 10 0
2003 25 0
2002 16 0
2001 16 0
2000 14 0
1999 17 0
1998 14 0
1997 18 0
1996 12 0
1995 12 0
1994 17 0
1993 12 0
1992 17 0
1991 21 0
1990 16 0
1989 17 0
1988 10 0

The history of the first name Neiko

The given name Neiko is believed to have originated from the Japanese language, where it is a variation of the more common name "Neko," which means "cat" in Japanese. The name likely emerged during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, when naming children after animals or nature elements was a popular practice.

In Japanese culture, cats have long been revered as symbols of good luck, prosperity, and protection. As such, the name Neiko may have been chosen for its auspicious connotations, with the hope that the child would embody the positive traits associated with felines, such as agility, curiosity, and independence.

While the name Neiko does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its root word "neko" can be found in various Japanese literary works and folk tales throughout history. One notable example is the famous Japanese folktale "The Boy Who Drew Cats," which features a charming cat character that brings good fortune to its owner.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Neiko can be traced back to the late 18th century, when a Japanese artist and ukiyo-e woodblock print maker named Neiko Tōshū (1776-1856) gained recognition for his depictions of kabuki actors and courtesans.

Another notable figure with the name Neiko was Neiko Takata (1906-1991), a Japanese-American artist and ceramicist who was active in the mid-20th century. Her work, which blended Japanese and American influences, was widely exhibited and is held in numerous museum collections.

In the world of sports, Neiko Wills (born 1984) is a former professional basketball player from the United States who played in several European leagues in the early 2000s.

Neiko Astudillo (born 1991) is a Venezuelan singer and songwriter known for his work in the Latin urban music genre. He has released several successful singles and albums since the late 2010s.

Lastly, Neiko Ingram (born 1993) is an American professional boxer who has competed in the lightweight division. He has held several regional titles and has been active in the sport since the early 2010s.

While these are just a few examples, the name Neiko has been borne by individuals from various backgrounds and professions throughout history, reflecting its enduring appeal and cultural significance.

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

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

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"Neiko first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 7, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/neiko-meaning-and-history/.

"Neiko first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/neiko-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 7 June, 2025

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

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