Mariko
Primarily a girl's name of Japanese origin with 1,309 recorded births. Also given to 6 boys.
Meaning & Origin
A female given name from Japanese.
Mariko is a girl's and boy's baby name of Japanese origin, typically written 真理子, 麻里子, or 毬子 — with meanings including 'child of truth' (真理子), 'ball child' (毬子), or various other beautiful combinations depending on the kanji chosen.
Mariko gained international recognition through James Clavell's novel Shōgun (1975) and its television adaptation, where the character Toda Mariko is a central figure. In Japan, it has been a classic feminine name combining the warm -ko ('child') suffix with various meaningful first elements. With over 1,300 recorded U.S. births, it has genuine appreciation.
EtymologyShow more
Mariko first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1916. Its appearance in the 1910s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
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
Mariko was #11293 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #11729, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 30 | #12772 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 103 | #10778 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 121 | #9462 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 255 | #4551 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 474 | #2281 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 150 | #4569 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 61 | #6051 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 22 | #5211 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 7 | #3909 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 66 | #3679 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 20 | #4172 | — |
The Story of Mariko
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1984, Mariko is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Mariko are most likely born between 1974 and 1994.
How rare is Mariko?
Only about 1 in every 450,000 babies born in 2024 was named Mariko — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1916, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 1980s with 474 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Mariko by the numbers
- Would fill 27 school buses
- Meeting one Mariko per day would take 3.6 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(77 years, 1916–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | #11729 |
| 2022 | 9 | #10909 |
| 2021 | 8 | #11800 |
| 2020 | 5 | #16649 |
| 2019 | 10 | #10210 |
| 2018 | 7 | #13319 |
| 2017 | 10 | #10452 |
| 2016 | 12 | #9227 |
| 2015 | 8 | #12580 |
| 2014 | 16 | #7526 |
| 2013 | 12 | #9406 |
| 2012 | 8 | #12998 |
| 2011 | 11 | #10167 |
| 2010 | 9 | #11896 |
| 2009 | 10 | #11195 |
| 2008 | 11 | #10533 |
| 2007 | 9 | #12306 |
| 2006 | 11 | #10370 |
| 2005 | 15 | #7767 |
| 2004 | 9 | #11293 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Mariko as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Mariko has also been given to 6 boys in the U.S. since 1986.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mariko a boy's or girl's name?
When was Mariko most popular?
How popular is the name Mariko?
Can Mariko be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1916–2024