Origin and meaning of the name Mayuko

The name Mayuko is a feminine Japanese given name that consists of two kanji characters. The first character "マユ" (Mayu) has several possible meanings depending on the reading and can be written with different combinations of kanji, but generally means "crow", "tied up", or "dried persimmon". The second character "コ" (Ko) is a common suffix in Japanese names and can be read as "子" (ko), meaning "child" or "little girl". Therefore, the name Mayuko can be translated as "Little Crow", "Tied-Up Child", or "Dried Persimmon Child". However, it's important to note that Japanese names often have multiple possible meanings and interpretations, and a person named Mayuko may not necessarily have any of these specific associations. The name Mayuko became more popular in Japan during the post-World War II period, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s.

Learn more about the origin of the name Mayuko

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Mayuko

The name Mayuko is of Japanese origin and is written as 마유코 or まゆこ in the Hangul or Hiragana script respectively. It is composed of two characters: "Mayu" (螞蟻) which means cicada, and "Ko" (小), a suffix meaning child. The name is often interpreted as "Cicada Child," reflecting the quiet and steady nature associated with cicadas in Japanese culture.

The name Mayuko first appeared during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when Japan adopted Western naming conventions, but it quickly gained popularity due to its unique sound and symbolic meaning. Like many Japanese names, it does not have a specific day of the week or zodiac sign associated with it, as is common in some other cultures. The name Mayuko remains popular among Japanese families today, particularly in urban areas, reflecting its modern and distinctive quality.

Character traits associated with the name Mayuko

The name Mayuko is often associated with individuals who exhibit a harmonious blend of intelligence, creativity, and empathy. They are known for their analytical minds, exhibiting a keen ability to comprehend complex concepts and ideas. Their creative streak is evident in their approach to problem-solving, as they frequently think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. Mayukos are also deeply empathetic, demonstrating a strong sense of compassion towards others. They are excellent listeners, showing genuine interest in understanding other people's feelings and perspectives. This combination of intellectual prowess, creativity, and emotional sensitivity makes Mayukos well-rounded individuals who are highly valued in both personal and professional settings.

Popularity of the name Mayuko

The given name Mayuko is of Japanese origin and carries significant cultural weight within Japan. It's composed of two characters: "mayu," meaning peach, and "ko," child or girl. Mayuko has been popular among Japanese parents due to its association with sweetness and femininity, traits often valued in Japanese culture. The name regularly ranks within the top 100 most common female names in Japan, reflecting its popularity. In the United States and other Western countries, however, Mayuko is less frequently encountered, primarily due to a lack of cultural exposure and language familiarity among English speakers. Its distinctly Asian sound and origin contribute to its unique allure, making it a choice for parents seeking uncommon names with rich cultural significance.

Famous people with the name Mayuko

Mayuko Hagino is a renowned Japanese classical pianist who has won several prestigious competitions such as the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition and the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition. Born in Tokyo, she began her musical education at the age of five and later attended the Julliard School in New York. Mayuko Fujikawa is a Japanese actress and model who has worked extensively in both film and television. She gained international recognition for her role as Miyuki Tanaka in the popular 1980s series "Space Runaway Ideon". Another prominent figure named Mayuko is Mayuko Ito, a Japanese manga artist known for creating the popular shōjo manga series "Aria" and "Marmalade Boy". She was born in Tokyo in 1972 and has won numerous awards for her work. Lastly, Mayuko Mori is a respected contemporary Japanese painter who works primarily in oil and acrylic. Her unique style combines traditional Japanese motifs with modern techniques, creating visually striking and emotionally resonant pieces. These four individuals are some of the most famous people named Mayuko, each making significant contributions to their respective fields.

Variations of the name Mayuko

The name Mayuko has several variations in different regions and languages. In Japanese, the name is written as まゆこ or マユコ, where "Mayu" (芽夕) is a combination of two kanji characters meaning "bud" (芽) and "evening" (夕), suggesting beauty in the twilight. In romaji, it can also be written as Mayuko or Mayuko-san.

In English transliteration, variations might include Mayu-ko, Maiko, or Mai-kou. The name could potentially have other spellings if translated from Japanese to other languages; for example, in Korean, it may be spelled as 마유코 or Mayuko-i. It is important to note that the exact pronunciation and spelling can vary depending on regional dialects and personal preference.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "mayuko"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 15 June 2025

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