Holding steady.
Popularity of Maiko since 1974
Babies named Maiko per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1992, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Maiko's real moment was 1977.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 18 | 0 |
| 1980s | 17 | 0 |
| 1990s | 31 | 11 |
| 2000s | 5 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 17 |
| 2020s | 0 | 17 |
Meaning & origin
Maiko is a rare and distinctive name of Japanese origin, first appearing in U.S. birth records in 1974. Its peak year of use was 1977, after which its popularity remained stable but very low, with no recorded usage in many recent years. Despite its clear Japanese etymology as 'dance girl' or 'apprentice geisha,' the name has been reliably used for American boys, reflecting a cross-cultural adoption that separates the name from its strict original context. While it has never ranked in the top 1000, its uniqueness and cultural richness may appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with a strong cultural background.
Maiko is a Japanese word meaning 'dance girl' or 'apprentice geisha,' composed of the characters 舞 (mai, 'dance') and 子 (ko, 'child'). The name is of modern usage as a given name, drawing from the traditional performing arts. It has been used for boys in the United States, likely as a cross-cultural adoption.
Sibling names for Maiko
Names that share Maiko's style, for a brother or sister.
