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Origin and meaning of the name Nezuko

What is the origin of the name Nezuko?

Nezuko is a Japanese name, specifically from a popular manga and anime series titled "Demon Slayer" (Kimetsu no Yaiba) created by Koyoharu Gotouge. The surname Kamado and given name Nezuko are derived from the names of two different shrines in Kumano, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan: Kamado-jinja and Nezugawa-jinja. In the series, Nezuko Kamado is one of the main characters and the sister of Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist. Her name reflects her connection to these shrines in the story's world.

Learn more about the origin of the name Nezuko

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Nezuko

The name Nezuko originates from Japan, specifically within the context of the popular anime series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." In the story, Nezuko Kamado is one of the main characters. Her name consists of two parts: "Nezu" and "Ko." The first part, Nezu, can be interpreted as "a small valley" in Japanese, while "Ko," a common suffix in female names, means "child." So, Nezuko could be translated roughly as "Child of the Small Valley," or more poetically, one who resides in a secluded, serene place. The character Nezuko is a demon-turned-human, adding another layer of symbolism to her name.

Character traits associated with the name Nezuko

Nezuko, a character from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is depicted as a strong-willed and resilient individual. Despite being transformed into a demon, she retains her human emotions and compassion, which sets her apart from other demons. Her loyalty to her family, particularly her brother Tanjiro, is unwavering and demonstrates her selflessness. Nezuko's intelligence is also evident as she adapts quickly to new situations and learns to control her demonic powers effectively. She is patient and calm under pressure, often observing her surroundings before acting. However, due to her time spent as a demon, she can be somewhat detached from human interactions, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings. Despite this, Nezuko's determination to return to her human form and protect those she cares about makes her a formidable and endearing character.

Popularity of the name Nezuko

The given name Nezuko, originating from Japanese, has gained recognition and popularity both within Japan and internationally due to its association with the renowned anime series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." In this popular animation, Nezuko Kamado is a significant character, portrayed as the youngest sister of the protagonist Tanjiro. The character's endearing personality, combined with her unique background and powerful storyline, has contributed to an increase in the name's popularity among anime fans, particularly those who appreciate Japanese culture and anime-inspired names. While Nezuko remains primarily popular within Japan, its recognition has also expanded globally due to the success of "Demon Slayer."

Famous people with the name Nezuko

Nezuko Kamado is the most well-known individual named Nezuko, primarily recognized from the anime series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba". She is a protagonist and one of the main characters, portrayed as the younger sister of Tanjiro Kamado. Born as a human, she was turned into a demon by a member of the Twelve Kizuki demons, Muzan Kibutsuji. Despite her transformation, Nezuko retains much of her humanity due to the influence of her brother's love and the sun's healing power. Her character is renowned for her strong sense of compassion and her ability to regain control over herself during full moon nights when demons are at their most powerful. Another notable figure with the name Nezuko may refer to Nezuko Yumeji, a Japanese painter active in the Taisho period (1912-1926), although less famous compared to the Demon Slayer character.

Variations of the name Nezuko

Nezuko is primarily a Japanese female given name, originating from the Kanji characters "根" (ne), meaning "root", and "咲" (zuki), meaning "blossom". Variations of the name Nezuko include Nezuko-san, which is an honorific title added to the name, and Nezuko-chan, a diminutive or affectionate form. Other variations may include Nezu, Zuki, or simply Nez, although these are less common and may not be considered traditional Japanese names. It's also possible to find spellings such as Netsuko, Nesuko, or Netzuko in Western transliterations, but these are less standardized and may not be used consistently.

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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