Kikyo
A girl's name of Japanese origin with 18 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Only 18 babies have been named Kikyo in recorded U.S. history. That level of rarity means your child would almost certainly be the only one in their school, their workplace, and most rooms they walk into — a genuinely one-of-a-kind choice.
In the most recent SSA release, Kikyo ranks #16481 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Kikyo is a girl's baby name of Japanese origin meaning 'bellflower,' from the Japanese kikyō (桔梗), referring to the Chinese bellflower — a beautiful purple blossom used in traditional medicine and flower arranging. The bellflower is the emblem of the Fujiwara and Akechi clans.
Kikyo gained enormous global visibility through the character Kikyō in the manga and anime series InuYasha, a powerful and tragic priestess whose story resonated with millions of fans worldwide. The name beautifully combines botanical delicacy with spiritual strength.
EtymologyShow more
Kikyo first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 2007. A twenty-first-century entry, Kikyo belongs to the newest generation of American names — often coined, blended, or borrowed from international sources.
Its Japanese classification suggests a path from japanese linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kikyo has 3+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2007.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 6 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 7 | — |
The Story of Kikyo
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2007, Kikyo is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Kikyo are most likely born between 2007 and 2017.
How rare is Kikyo?
Only about 1 in every 720,000 babies born in 2024 was named Kikyo — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2007, peaked in the 2000s with 7 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(3 years, 2007–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | #16481 |
| 2012 | 6 | #15973 |
| 2007 | 7 | #14737 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2007–2024