Setsuko

“切りすこな、雪の子（かきのこ）”

Japan origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1777US 2023

423Births / yr

→Stable

347All-time births

📅 Since 191500

How to pronounce Setsuko

SETS·OO·KOH

/ˈsɛts.ˈuː.ˈkoʊ/ · stress on SETS · 3 syllables

“切りすこな、雪の子（かきのこ）”

Japan origin · Girl name

What does Setsuko mean and where does it come from?

Setsuko (切子) is a common Japanese name where 'Setsu' can mean 'snow' or 'cut' and 'ko' means 'child.' The name can imply 'the child of snow.' This name reflects traditional Japanese culture and has been in use since the early 20th century. It may have connections to various aspects of nature, embody

Cultural significance

Setsuko has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 切りすこな、雪の子（かきのこ）.

Peak popularity

Reached #1289 in 1928 — currently #1777 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Setsuko?

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

Setsuko Grace

How popular is Setsuko right now?

Holding steady — currently #1777 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1777 · Top 1.3%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1945

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1777	423	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1782	403	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1787	373	▲ up 3084 · +7360% births
1945	#4871	5	▼ down 2681 · -67% births
1935	#2190	15	▼ down 320 · -25% births
1930	#1870	20	▲ up 72 · -5% births
1925	#1942	21	▲ up 1139 · +91% births
1920	#3081	11	▲ up 1843 · +120% births
1915	#4924	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Setsuko

Best Year2023Rank #1777

Peak Count423

Average Rank#2692

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20239 years

The story of Setsuko

Setsuko entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 347 total births recorded, Setsuko remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4924 in 1915 to #1777 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Setsuko in 1928:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Setsuko by decade

Setsuko peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	36
1920s ★	166
1930s	129
1940s	16

💎Setsuko has only 347 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Setsuko?

Common

SetSeUko

What names sound and feel like Setsuko?

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

Japan · 夏子: 'summer child'

How is Setsuko written in other languages?

節子, etc.

Japanese Kanji

Common questions about the name Setsuko

What does the name Setsuko mean?

Setsuko means "切りすこな、雪の子（かきのこ）" — 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 Setsuko?

Setsuko is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Setsuko?

Setsuko 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 Setsuko?

Setsuko is a three-syllable name pronounced S EH1 T S UW1 K OW1. 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 Setsuko?

Setsuko 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.