Holding steady.
Popularity of Nobuko since 1915
Babies named Nobuko per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 62 |
| 1920s | 234 |
| 1930s | 63 |
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Nobuko is a traditional Japanese feminine name that draws on the common pattern of ending girls' names with 'ko' (child). In the United States, its use has been almost entirely limited to families of Japanese heritage. The first recorded use of Nobuko in the United States was 1915, and it saw its peak year in 1924, reflecting the naming conventions of that era. The name's trajectory has remained stable over the decades, but it has never entered the top 1000. Nobuko carries a sense of cultural heritage and elegance, often chosen by families wishing to honor Japanese roots. Its meaning can vary with kanji choice, but the most common readings suggest a 'faithful child' or 'precious child,' making it a name rich in positive sentiment without being overly common.
Nobuko is a traditional Japanese feminine name composed of two elements: 'nobu' (信, faith; 延, extend; or other kanji) and 'ko' (子, child). The suffix 'ko' was historically common in girls' names, especially from the Meiji era through the mid 20th century. The choice of kanji gives the name its specific meaning, with common interpretations including treasured, extending, or faithful child.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nobu, Nobuchan, Nobuko-chan
Sibling names for Nobuko
Names that share Nobuko's style, for a brother or sister.
