Holding steady.
Popularity of Masako since 1909
Babies named Masako per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Masako's real moment was 1913.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 293 |
| 1920s | 386 |
| 1930s | 109 |
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Masako is a distinctly Japanese name that saw a brief period of use in the United States in the early 20th century. According to Social Security data, its first recorded appearance in U.S. births was in 1909, and it reached its peak in 1913. Since then, its usage has remained very low, consistent with a stable trajectory. The name is rooted in the Japanese tradition of combining a character like 'masa' (as in 正 or 雅) with the female suffix 'ko' (child). While it has not been among the most popular Japanese names in America, it carries a sense of cultural heritage and has been borne by notable figures in Japan, including Empress Masako. For parents seeking a name with Japanese authenticity and historical resonance, Masako offers a classic choice.
Masako is a compound of two Japanese elements: 'masa' (正, meaning 'correct, righteous' or other characters like 雅 'elegant') and 'ko' (子, meaning 'child'), a common suffix for female names in older generations. It has been used in Japan for centuries, with notable historical bearers including imperial princesses. The name saw its first recorded U.S. usage in 1909 and a peak in 1913, likely tied to Japanese immigration.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Masa, Ma-chan
Variants: Masayo
Sibling names for Masako
Names that share Masako's style, for a brother or sister.
