What does Reiko mean and where does it come from?
Reiko is a common Japanese name composed of the characters '玲' (rei) meaning 'lovely' or 'sound of jewels' and '子' (ko) meaning 'child.' It embodies both beauty and the grace of existence. The name can be written in various kanji, giving it multiple meanings depending on the characters chosen. In Ja
Cultural significance
Reiko has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of child of the lovely fragrance.
Peak popularity
Reached #2374 in 1936 — currently #10541 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japanese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Reiko?
Reiko works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Reiko Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Reiko Rose
Floral · soft ending
Reiko Mae
Sweet · timeless
Reiko Claire
French influence · crisp
Reiko Jane
Literary · strong
Reiko Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Reiko right now?
Falling — down 1587 spots — currently #10541 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #10541 | 7 | ▼ down 1587 · -36% births |
| 2020 | #8954 | 11 | ▲ up 5686 · +83% births |
| 2015 | #14640 | 6 | ▼ down 1295 |
| 2000 | #13345 | 6 | ▲ up 311 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #13656 | 5 | ▼ down 5039 · -44% births |
| 1990 | #8617 | 9 | ▲ up 910 · +50% births |
| 1985 | #9527 | 6 | ▼ down 1178 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #8349 | 7 | ▼ down 5252 · -70% births |
| 1975 | #3097 | 23 | ▲ up 1489 · +92% births |
| 1970 | #4586 | 12 | ▲ up 896 · +71% births |
| 1965 | #5482 | 7 | ▼ down 88 |
| 1960 | #5394 | 7 | ▼ down 2095 · -22% births |
| 1945 | #3299 | 9 | ▲ up 900 · +50% births |
| 1940 | #4199 | 6 | ▼ down 817 · -25% births |
| 1935 | #3382 | 8 | — |
The story of Reiko
Reiko entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 666 total births recorded, Reiko remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3316 in 1930, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10541 in 2021. Reiko is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Reiko in 1936:
Reiko by decade
Reiko peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 42 | |
| 1930s | 86 | |
| 1940s | 52 | |
| 1960s | 64 | |
| 1970s ★ | 145 | |
| 1980s | 73 | |
| 1990s | 73 | |
| 2000s | 61 | |
| 2010s | 59 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎Reiko has only 666 total recorded births since 1921 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Reiko?
What names sound and feel like Reiko?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Reiko also consider these
Common questions about the name Reiko
What does the name Reiko mean?
Reiko means "Child of the lovely fragrance" — a name rooted in Japanese 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 Reiko?
Reiko is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Reiko?
Reiko originates from Japanese tradition. Japanese names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Reiko a common or rare name?
Reiko is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Reiko more of a girl or boy name?
Reiko is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.