Rising since 1997, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Riku since 1996
Babies named Riku per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 37 |
| 2000s | 145 |
| 2010s | 180 |
| 2020s | 121 |
Meaning & origin
Riku is a Japanese name that first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1996. As of 2025, it ranks 6,446th with an estimated one in 131,390 newborns receiving the name. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 1997, reflecting growing interest in Japanese names globally. Its peak year of popularity was 2024, indicating sustained but niche appeal. Riku has not yet become common enough to appear in top state rankings, and its use remains concentrated among families with Japanese heritage or those drawn to minimalist, internationally accessible names.
Riku is a Japanese name that can be written with various kanji characters, most commonly 陸 meaning 'land' or 'shore'. It may also be used as a given name without specific kanji meaning, chosen for its sound and simplicity. The name gained moderate international recognition through Japanese popular culture, particularly video games and anime, but its use outside Japan remains relatively rare.
Sibling names for Riku
Names that share Riku's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Miyu, Sakura, Hana, Yuna, Koharu, Arisa, Haruka, Ima, Akane, Misa, Mizuki, Nene, Rika, Riko, Rukia, Aoi, Emiri, Kaho, Meilin, Momoka, Namine, Nozomi, Satsuki, Seira, Shima
Brothers: Sora, Kaito, Ren, Haruki, Yuki, Maki, Yuto, Daichi, Haruto, Kitai, Kotaro, Miko, Roxas, Shota, Taiga, Taiki, Taiyo, Taji, Yuji, Yuta, Hajime, Iori, Mori, Taichi, Taisei, Tomoki
