Declining since 2021.
Popularity of Meiko since 1971
Babies named Meiko per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 55 | 0 |
| 1980s | 18 | 0 |
| 1990s | 6 | 5 |
| 2000s | 11 | 13 |
| 2010s | 12 | 55 |
| 2020s | 10 | 62 |
Meaning & origin
Meiko is a Japanese name that entered U.S. records in 1992, though it has never ranked among the top 1,000 names. Its highest usage occurred in 2021, but it has been falling since then, consistent with the trajectory of many rare imported names. The name's one-in-N rate is too low to calculate from available data, reflecting its extreme rarity in the United States. Top states for Meiko have not been recorded due to low numbers. For parents seeking a name with Japanese roots that is distinctive yet accessible, Meiko offers a gentle sound and a meaning tied to new growth.
Meiko is a Japanese name typically composed of the elements 芽 (me, 'bud, sprout') and 子 (ko, 'child'). It is often written in hiragana as めいこ, but various kanji combinations are possible, including 明 (mei, 'bright') with 子. The name has been in use in Japan since the mid-20th century and gained some international recognition through cultural exports such as anime and J-pop.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mei
Variants: Meiko
Sibling names for Meiko
Names that share Meiko's style, for a brother or sister.
