Find out how popular the first name Riku has been for the last 28 years (from 1996 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Riku by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Riku is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 21 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Riku.

The history of the first name Riku

The name Riku has its origins in the Japanese language and culture, dating back to the early centuries of Japanese history. It is derived from the Japanese words "ri" meaning "reason" or "logic," and "ku" meaning "air" or "sky." The combination of these words suggests a meaning of "reasoning sky" or "logical atmosphere."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Riku can be found in the Kojiki, an ancient Japanese chronicle of myths, legends, and historical accounts dating back to the 8th century AD. In this text, a prince named Riku is mentioned as a descendant of the imperial family.

During the Heian period of Japan (794-1185 AD), the name Riku gained popularity among the aristocracy and samurai class. It was often used as a name for boys born into noble families, reflecting the value placed on intellectual pursuits and the pursuit of knowledge.

Throughout Japanese history, several notable individuals have borne the name Riku. One such figure was Riku no Arawanokaze (1093-1144), a renowned waka poet and courtier during the late Heian period. His literary works, including his poetry collections, have been preserved and studied by scholars for centuries.

In the Edo period (1603-1868), Riku Seiko (1616-1693) was a prominent mathematician and astronomer. He made significant contributions to the study of astronomy and the development of the Japanese calendar system.

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Riku Oda (1846-1916) was a influential politician and diplomat. He played a crucial role in the modernization and westernization of Japan, serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and negotiating several important treaties with Western nations.

Another notable figure was Riku Miyake (1875-1923), a pioneering journalist and editor who founded one of Japan's first modern newspapers, the Tokyo Nichinichi Shimbun. He was instrumental in shaping the development of journalism in Japan during the early 20th century.

While the name Riku has a rich history and cultural significance in Japan, its usage has also spread to other parts of the world through immigration and cultural exchange. However, its origins and deepest roots remain firmly rooted in the Japanese language and cultural traditions.

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

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

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