A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kiyoko since 1912
Babies named Kiyoko per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 207 |
| 1920s | 417 |
| 1930s | 88 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 22 |
| 1980s | 30 |
| 1990s | 17 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 57 |
| 2020s | 53 |
Meaning & origin
Kiyoko is a Japanese name meaning 'pure child,' a meaning that has resonated modestly in the United States since it was first recorded in 1912. It peaked in 1921 but remained rare throughout the 20th century. After a long decline, the name has been rising again since 2005, reflecting a broader interest in Japanese names. In 2025 it ranked 11,932, with about 1 in 229,610 baby girls receiving the name. This revival, though still at a low level, places Kiyoko among a small group of Japanese names gaining renewed attention in the United States.
Kiyoko is a Japanese feminine name composed of the elements 'kiyoki' (meaning 'pure' or 'clean') and 'ko' (meaning 'child'). The name has been in use in Japan since ancient times, often given to girls with the hope of a pure and virtuous life. It saw modest usage in the United States among Japanese American communities and gained some recognition internationally through cultural figures.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kiyo, Koko
Sibling names for Kiyoko
Names that share Kiyoko's style, for a brother or sister.
