Find out how popular the first name Tomoko has been for the last 18 years (from 1974 to 1991) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tomoko by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Tomoko is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1991, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tomoko.

The history of the first name Tomoko

The name Tomoko is a Japanese feminine given name that has its roots in ancient Japanese culture and language. It is a combination of two distinct words: "tomo," meaning "friend," and "ko," a common suffix used to denote a female name.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Tomoko can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD) in Japan. During this time, Japanese literature and poetry flourished, and it is possible that the name appeared in some of the renowned works of the era, such as "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Tomoko was Tomoko Narahashi (1759-1849), a renowned Japanese painter and calligrapher. She was a highly respected artist during the Edo period and is celebrated for her intricate and beautiful works.

Another notable figure in history with the name Tomoko is Tomoko Ohara (1912-2008), a Japanese actress and singer who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s. She appeared in numerous films and recorded several popular songs during her illustrious career.

In the realm of sports, Tomoko Kawao (1918-2010) was a Japanese swimmer who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. She won a gold medal in the 200-meter breaststroke event, becoming the first Japanese woman to claim an Olympic gold medal.

The name Tomoko also holds significance in Japanese literature, with Tomoko Yamazaki (1924-2011) being a celebrated novelist and essayist. Her works often explored themes of identity, relationships, and the complexities of modern Japanese society.

Lastly, Tomoko Yoshino (born 1970) is a contemporary Japanese singer and actress who has achieved widespread popularity in Japan. She has released numerous albums and has appeared in various television dramas and films throughout her career.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Tomoko, highlighting its enduring presence and significance within Japanese culture and society.

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

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

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