Kikuko
A girl's name of Japanese origin with 26 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Kikuko peaked during the pre-war decades, when 6 babies received this name in a single year (1931). That era was defined by elegant, traditional naming, and Kikuko has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Kikuko is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Kikuko is a girl's baby name of Japanese origin, written with kanji such as 菊子 (kiku = chrysanthemum, ko = child) — so its meaning is typically 'chrysanthemum child.' The chrysanthemum is Japan's imperial flower, a symbol of longevity, nobility, and the sun.
Classic in Japan across the Meiji and Taisho eras, Kikuko carries an elegant, old-world charm. Outside Japan it is exceptionally rare, making it a distinctive choice for families honoring Japanese heritage.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Kikuko belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At three syllables, it has a three-beat flow that carries a sense of formality and completeness.
Within the Japanese naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Japanese names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Kikuko’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kikuko has 5+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1915.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 11 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 10 | — |
The Story of Kikuko
A Silent Generation name
Peaking in 1931, Kikuko is an elegant vintage name. Girls named Kikuko are most likely born between 1921 and 1931.
How rare is Kikuko?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Kikuko is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1915, peaked in the 1930s with 11 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(5 years, 1915–1931)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | 6 | #4122 |
| 1930 | 5 | #4907 |
| 1921 | 5 | #5520 |
| 1918 | 5 | #5215 |
| 1915 | 5 | #4616 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kikuko a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kikuko most popular?
How popular is the name Kikuko?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1915–1931