What does Meiko mean and where does it come from?
Meiko, which can also be written with different kanji characters, is a popular feminine name in Japan. It is often used as a combination of 美 (mei, meaning 'beauty') and 子 (ko, meaning 'child'). The name embodies elegance and grace. Meiko can also be popular in creative industries, such as music and
Cultural significance
Meiko has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 美子 (beautiful child).
Peak popularity
Reached #5916 in 1972 — currently #6396 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Meiko?
Meiko works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meiko Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meiko Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meiko Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meiko Claire
French influence · crisp
Meiko Jane
Literary · strong
Meiko Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meiko right now?
Rising fast — up 3155 spots — currently #6396 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6396 | 14 | ▲ up 3155 · +75% births |
| 2022 | #9551 | 8 | ▼ down 4284 · -56% births |
| 2021 | #5267 | 18 | ▲ up 6678 · +200% births |
| 1990 | #11945 | 6 | ▼ down 694 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #11251 | 5 | ▼ down 2555 · -17% births |
| 1975 | #8696 | 6 | — |
The story of Meiko
Meiko is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1971. With 188 total births recorded, Meiko remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8696 in 1975 to #6396 in 2023. Meiko is used for both genders: 54% female and 46% male.
Names that peaked alongside Meiko in 1972:
Meiko by decade
Meiko peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 55 | |
| 1980s | 17 | |
| 1990s | 11 | |
| 2000s | 24 | |
| 2010s ★ | 66 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎Meiko has only 188 total recorded births since 1971 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Meiko?
What names sound and feel like Meiko?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meiko also consider these
Common questions about the name Meiko
What does the name Meiko mean?
Meiko means "美子 (beautiful 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 Meiko?
Meiko is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Meiko have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Meiko?
Meiko 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 Meiko?
Meiko is a two-syllable name pronounced M EY1 K OW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Meiko trending right now?
Meiko is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.