Find out how popular the first name Yuko has been for the last 34 years (from 1974 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yuko by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Yuko is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yuko.

The history of the first name Yuko

The name Yuko is a gender-neutral Japanese given name. It is derived from the Japanese words "yu" meaning "superior or excellent" and "ko" meaning "child". Together, Yuko can be interpreted to mean "excellent child" or "superior child".

The earliest recorded use of the name Yuko dates back to the 8th century CE during the Nara period in Japan. It was a popular name among the noble classes and samurai families. The name appears in several historical records and literature from this era.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Yuko was a renowned Buddhist monk and calligrapher who lived during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). He was known for his beautiful calligraphic works and his teachings on Zen Buddhism.

In the 12th century, there was a famous Japanese waka poet named Yuko no Akiko (1155-1216). She was a member of the prestigious Fujiwara clan and her poems were highly regarded during her lifetime.

During the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), there was a well-known samurai named Yuko Matsudaira (1611-1675). He was a skilled swordsman and served as a retainer to the Tokugawa shogunate.

In more recent history, there was a Japanese author and playwright named Yuko Mishima (1925-1970). He was a highly influential figure in the literary world and is known for his novels such as "The Sea of Fertility" and "The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea".

Another notable individual with the name Yuko was the Japanese actress and singer Yuko Nakazawa (1939-2010). She had a successful career in both film and music, and was widely popular in Japan during the 1960s and 1970s.

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

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

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