MallowbyNames

Riko

REE-koh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a Japanese name meaning 'jasmine child' or a Croatian/Slavic diminutive of Richard.

Peak popularity
2017
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Declining since 2016

Declining since 2016.

Popularity of Riko since 1978

Babies named Riko per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4812198020002020Most births 2017GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s012
1980s018
1990s00
2000s400
2010s5028
2020s1830

Meaning & origin

Riko is a unisex name with roots in multiple cultures. Its first recorded use in the U.S. Social Security data was in 2002, and its popularity peaked in 2017. Since then, the name has been on a decline, with usage falling steadily after 2016. While it has not reached top-1000 status, its rarity appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with intercultural resonance. The trajectory indicates it was most fashionable in the 2010s, but its consistent decline suggests it may fade further unless revived by new cultural influences. No single state has shown a strong concentration of Riko's use.

Riko has multiple origins. In Japanese, it can be written with various kanji, often combining 'ri' (jasmine) and 'ko' (child). In Croatia and other Slavic countries, Riko is a diminutive of Richard or other names beginning with 'Rik-'. The name gained some usage in the United States in the early 2000s, possibly influenced by Japanese culture and media.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Rico

Sibling names for Riko

Names that share Riko's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

R is for Riko, our favorite little person.

R is for Riko…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Riko's letter becomes Riko's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Riko's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Riko mean?
Riko has multiple possible meanings depending on origin. In Japanese, it can mean 'jasmine child' with certain kanji. In Croatian and Slavic contexts, it is typically a diminutive of Richard, meaning 'brave ruler'.
How popular is the name Riko?
Riko has been in the U.S. Social Security data since 2002 but has never cracked the top 1000, so it is considered rare. Its peak year was 2017.
Is Riko a boy's or girl's name?
Riko is unisex. In Japan, it can be used for either gender, though more common for girls. In Croatia, it is usually masculine. In recent U.S. data, it leans slightly female.