Nezuko

Meaning & origin

Nezuko is a thoroughly modern name, born directly from 21st-century pop culture. It first appeared on U.S. birth certificates in 2021, driven by the global success of the anime Demon Slayer. By 2025, it ranked 6,546 nationally, with a 1-in-94,545 rate, peaking in popularity in 2023. The trajectory is stable, not yet showing signs of a steep decline. Despite its origin as a fictional name, Nezuko has been embraced by a small but dedicated group of parents drawn to its melodic sound and association with a beloved, resilient character. The name has not yet concentrated in any particular U.S. state, remaining a rare choice nationwide. Its etymology is a product of modern coinage rather than ancient roots, making it a standout among traditional names. As a reference site, we note that Nezuko does not carry centuries of history; its story is just beginning.

Nezuko is a modern Japanese name popularized by the character Nezuko Kamado in Koyoharu Gotouge's manga series Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer), first serialized in 2016. The name may incorporate the Japanese ne (root) and zuko (child), but it was invented by the author and does not have a pre-existing traditional etymology. Its use as a given name outside fiction began in the late 2010s and gained real-world traction after the anime adaptation aired in 2019.