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Origin and meaning of the name Kiyoko

What is the origin of the name Kiyoko?

Kiyoko is a Japanese given name, composed of two characters: "Ki" and "Yoko." The character "Ki" (喜) can mean happiness, delight, pleasure, or joy, while the character "Yoko" (葉子) can be interpreted as "leaf child" or more literally as "leaf-small." The name Kiyoko became popular in Japan during the Taisho period (1912–1926), a time characterized by Western cultural influences. The first names of this era often combined Japanese and Western elements, leading to the creation of unique names like Kiyoko.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Kiyoko

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Kiyoko

Kiyoko is a female Japanese name, composed of two characters: "Ki" and "Yoko". The character "Ki" can mean tree, beauty, or wisdom, depending on its reading, while "Yoko" means "child" or "young woman". Thus, the name Kiyoko can be interpreted as "Child of beauty" or "Young woman of beauty" in Japanese. The name gained popularity during the Taisho period (1912-1926) and has been used frequently ever since. It is a common name among women born in Japan during the mid to late 20th century, especially those from urban areas.

Character traits associated with the name Kiyoko

Kiyoko is often associated with qualities such as determination, resilience, and intelligence. Named after a renowned Japanese poet, Kiyomi Iwasa, the name itself suggests a connection to art and literature. People named Kiyoko are typically perceived as independent thinkers who value education and intellectual pursuits. They are often seen as diligent, hardworking individuals who set high standards for themselves and strive to meet them. Kiyoko is also known for her empathetic nature, showing compassion and understanding towards others. She is a reliable friend and a dedicated family member, always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. Overall, Kiyoko embodies qualities of strength, intellect, and kindness, making her an admirable and respected individual in many communities.

Popularity of the name Kiyoko

Kiyoko is a Japanese female given name, composed of the characters for "kiyo" meaning beautiful and "ko," a diminutive suffix. The name has historical roots, with notable figures such as Kiyoko Shimizu, a prominent tennis player in Japan during the mid-20th century, bearing the name. In contemporary times, Kiyoko's popularity varies significantly across different countries and regions. While it is less common among Japanese Americans and other diaspora communities, it remains relatively popular in Japan due to its traditional appeal. In terms of global rankings, Kiyoko does not typically appear in the top 1000 names in many Western countries, but among Japanese speakers, it remains a respected and beautiful choice for newborn girls.

Famous people with the name Kiyoko

Kiyoko Iwata, born on August 24, 1937, is a renowned Japanese singer and actress. She debuted as a member of The Peanuts, one of Japan's most popular girl groups during the late 1950s. Known for her soulful voice and charming personality, Iwata left The Peanuts in 1963 to pursue a solo career and became an iconic figure in Japanese music.

Another notable Kiyoko is Kiyoko Sayorama, born on July 27, 1958, who is a prominent American astronomer specializing in the study of distant galaxies and active galactic nuclei. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe through her research and teaching at various institutions.

Lastly, Kiyoko Lenz, born in 1960, is a German actress best known for her role as "Sally Bowles" in the original London production of Cabaret (1968). Her powerful performance earned critical acclaim and set the stage for her successful acting career.

Variations of the name Kiyoko

Kiyoko is a Japanese feminine given name, composed of two characters: "Ki" (kiyomi, meaning beautiful) and "Yoko" (meaning child or daughter). Variations of this name include Kiiko, which is similar to Kiyoko but with the "o" character from Yoko replaced by an "i," and Kiyan, a possible short form that substitutes the second syllable "-yoko" with "-yan." Another variation is Kyoko, which uses the Chinese reading of the characters instead of the Japanese one; this name has become popular in other countries, such as Korea, where it is often given to girls born in Japan. Additionally, there might be regional dialectal variations or informal nicknames based on Kiyoko, although these can vary significantly and are harder to determine without specific context.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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