Teruko

“child.”

Japan origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1963US 2023

237Births / yr

→Stable

405All-time births

📅 Since 191300

How to pronounce Teruko

TER·oo·koh

/ˈtɛr.uː.koʊ/ · stress on TER · 3 syllables

“child.”

Japan origin · Girl name

What does Teruko mean and where does it come from?

In Japanese, Teruko (照子) is often used as a feminine given name. The first kanji, 照, can mean 'shine' or 'illuminate,' while 子 (ko) generally means 'child.' Depending on the specific kanji used, Teruko can take on various meanings, including 'daughter of the emperor.' It reflects a blend of cultural

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #1159 in 1927 — currently #1963 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Teruko?

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

Teruko Grace

How popular is Teruko right now?

Holding steady — currently #1963 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1963 · Top 1.4%

1915

1920

1925

1930

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1963	237	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2022	#1968	217	▲ up 5 · +16% births
2021	#1973	187	▲ up 423 · +1236% births
1930	#2396	14	▼ down 215 · -22% births
1925	#2181	18	▼ down 299 · -18% births
1920	#1882	22	▲ up 985 · +120% births
1915	#2867	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Teruko

Best Year1920Rank #1882

Peak Count237

Average Rank#2176

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20237 years

The story of Teruko

Teruko entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 405 total births recorded, Teruko remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2867 in 1915 to #1963 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Teruko in 1927:

Mary Dorothy Betty Helen Margaret

Teruko by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	89
1920s ★	230
1930s	65
1970s	13
1980s	8

💎Teruko has only 405 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Teruko?

Common

TerTerieTeryUko

What names sound and feel like Teruko?

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

Teruyo

Japan · 照世 (teruyo) meaning

Nezuko

Japan · Her bamboos, a

Japan · Commonly means 'to

Setsuko

Japan · 切りすこな、雪の子（かきのこ）

Teraji

Japan · A derived name

Common questions about the name Teruko

What does the name Teruko mean?

Teruko means "Japanese" — 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 Teruko?

Teruko 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 Teruko?

Teruko 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 Teruko?

Teruko is a three-syllable name pronounced T EH1 R UW0 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 Teruko?

Teruko 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.