Masako

“air, breeze, child”

Japan origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#813US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

821All-time births

📅 Since 190900.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Masako

mus·AH·koh

/məs.ˈɑ.ˌkoʊ/ · stress on AH · 3 syllables

“air, breeze, child”

Japan origin · Girl name

What does Masako mean and where does it come from?

Masako (雅子) is a common Japanese feminine name. The name combines the kanji 雅 (masa) meaning 'elegant' or 'graceful' and 子 (ko) meaning 'child.' It is often used as an indication of hope for the child to lead an elegant life. The name is notable for its connection to Masako Owada, who became Crown P

Cultural significance

Masako has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of air, breeze, child.

Peak popularity

Reached #924 in 1913 — currently #813 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Masako?

Masako works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Masako Grace

How popular is Masako right now?

Holding steady — currently #813 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#813 · Top 0.60%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#813	1,387	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#818	1,367	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#823	1,337	▲ up 3750 · +26640% births
1940	#4573	5	▼ down 2054 · -58% births
1935	#2519	12	▼ down 994 · -56% births
1930	#1525	27	▲ up 5 · -10% births
1925	#1530	30	▼ down 428 · -36% births
1920	#1102	47	▲ up 87 · +38% births
1915	#1189	34	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Masako

Best Year2023Rank #813

Peak Count1,387

Average Rank#1655

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 20239 years

The story of Masako

Masako entered American naming records in 1909 and has been in use for over 115 years. With 821 total births recorded, Masako remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1189 in 1915 to #813 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Masako in 1913:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Masako by decade

Masako peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	6
1910s	293
1920s ★	386
1930s	109
1940s	10
1970s	12
1990s	5

💎Masako has only 821 total recorded births since 1909 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Masako?

Common

MasMasieMasyAko

What names sound and feel like Masako?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Masako also consider these

Japan · Noble child, child

Kanako

Japan · a child of

Misako

Japan · Beautiful Child

Sadako

Japan · Child of happiness,

Hanako

Japan · flower child

Common questions about the name Masako

What does the name Masako mean?

Masako means "air, breeze, child" — a name rooted in Japan tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Masako?

Masako is currently ranked #813 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Masako?

Masako originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Masako?

Masako is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 S AA1 K OW2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Masako?

Masako pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.