Declining since 2021, #3,379 for boys today.
Popularity of Neko since 1968
Babies named Neko per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 | 5 |
| 1970s | 32 | 0 |
| 1980s | 6 | 39 |
| 1990s | 0 | 162 |
| 2000s | 60 | 245 |
| 2010s | 116 | 327 |
| 2020s | 27 | 223 |
Meaning & origin
Neko first appeared on U.S. records in 1969, but it remained rare for decades. The name experienced a surge in the 2010s, reaching its peak rank of 3379 in 2021. Since then, its usage has been falling. In 2025, about 1 in 50,238 newborns were named Neko. The name's appeal may stem from its simple two-syllable sound and the growing interest in Japanese culture. While Neko has not historically been associated with any single gender, it has been used more often for boys in recent years, though it remains unisex.
Neko is a name of uncertain origin, but it is most commonly associated with the Japanese word neko (猫), meaning 'cat'. In Japan, cats are popular and often associated with good luck. The name also appears as a diminutive or variant of longer names such as Nekoda, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'marked' or 'spotted'. In modern English usage, Neko is occasionally used as a standalone given name, possibly influenced by Japanese culture or as a creative spelling of Nico.
Sibling names for Neko
Names that share Neko's style, for a brother or sister.
