Sumiko

“child of clarity” — Embodies the qualities of purity and clarity

Japan origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#763US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

618All-time births

📅 Since 191200

How to pronounce Sumiko

SOO·MEYE·koh

/ˈsuː.ˈmaɪ.koʊ/ · stress on SOO · 3 syllables

“child of clarity”

Embodies the qualities of purity and clarity · Japan origin

What does Sumiko mean and where does it come from?

Sumiko (すみこ) is a feminine Japanese name. The character '澄' (sumi) means 'clear' or 'pure', and '子' (ko) means 'child'. This name embodies the qualities of purity and clarity. Commonly used in Japan, it has first recorded use in the 20th century but has been popular throughout the years. Regional va

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #1276 in 1927 — currently #763 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Sumiko?

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

Sumiko Grace

How popular is Sumiko right now?

Holding steady — currently #763 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#763 · Top 0.56%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1980

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#763	1,437	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#768	1,417	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#773	1,387	▲ up 12491 · +23017% births
2000	#13264	6	▼ down 10380 · -81% births
1980	#2884	31	▼ down 37 · +210% births
1935	#2847	10	▼ down 1320 · -63% births
1930	#1527	27	▲ up 165 · +4% births
1925	#1692	26	▼ down 111 · -7% births
1920	#1581	28	▲ up 2082 · +300% births
1915	#3663	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sumiko

Best Year2023Rank #763

Peak Count1,437

Average Rank#2976

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202310 years

The story of Sumiko

Sumiko entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 618 total births recorded, Sumiko remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3663 in 1915 to #763 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Sumiko in 1927:

Mary Dorothy Betty Helen Margaret

Sumiko by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	76
1920s ★	296
1930s	123
1940s	11
1970s	25
1980s	55
1990s	11
2000s	16
2010s	5

💎Sumiko has only 618 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Sumiko?

Common

SumSumieSumyIko

What names sound and feel like Sumiko?

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

Japan · child of reason

Kuniko

Japan · Child of the

Sumako

Japanese · Clear, beautiful child

Semiko

Japan · Japanese

Sumika

Japan · すみか; meaning 'a

Yukiko

Japan · snow child

How is Sumiko written in other languages?

澄子, etc.

Japanese Kanji

Common questions about the name Sumiko

What does the name Sumiko mean?

Sumiko means "child of clarity" — 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 Sumiko?

Sumiko is currently ranked #763 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 Sumiko?

Sumiko 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 Sumiko?

Sumiko is a three-syllable name pronounced S UW1 M AY1 K OW0. 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 Sumiko?

Sumiko 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.