Neko
Primarily a boy's name of Japanese origin with 967 recorded births. Also given to 247 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A catgirl or catboy.
Neko is a boy's (or unisex) baby name of Japanese origin — in Japanese, neko simply means 'cat.' In anime and manga culture, 'neko' refers to catboys or catgirls, characters with feline features, making it deeply embedded in fan culture worldwide.
For anime-loving families and parents who want a name with cross-cultural Japanese charm, Neko has a playful, friendly quality. Its short, vowel-ending sound fits naturally in both Japanese and English-speaking contexts.
EtymologyShow more
Neko first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1969. Arriving in the 1960s, Neko appeared during a period when American naming was beginning to diversify beyond the traditional Anglo-Saxon and biblical pools.
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
Neko climbed 189 spots in the last 20 years — from #4217 to #4028.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 189 | #3277 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 327 | #3480 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 245 | #4006 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 162 | #4317 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 39 | #4347 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 5 | #4824 | — |
The Story of Neko
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2021, Neko is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Neko are most likely born between 2011 and 2024.
How rare is Neko?
Only about 1 in every 133,333 babies born in 2024 was named Neko — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1969, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 327 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Neko by the numbers
- Would fill 20 school buses
- Meeting one Neko per day would take 2.6 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(39 years, 1969–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 27 | #4028 |
| 2023 | 33 | #3527 |
| 2022 | 38 | #3196 |
| 2021 | 55 | #2453 |
| 2020 | 36 | #3183 |
| 2019 | 26 | #4072 |
| 2018 | 26 | #4077 |
| 2017 | 31 | #3562 |
| 2016 | 31 | #3581 |
| 2015 | 30 | #3655 |
| 2014 | 33 | #3351 |
| 2013 | 38 | #2983 |
| 2012 | 49 | #2541 |
| 2011 | 28 | #3758 |
| 2010 | 35 | #3221 |
| 2009 | 38 | #3088 |
| 2008 | 28 | #3803 |
| 2007 | 35 | #3226 |
| 2006 | 21 | #4460 |
| 2005 | 16 | #5206 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Neko as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Neko has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 247 births since 1968.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neko a boy's or girl's name?
When was Neko most popular?
How popular is the name Neko?
Can Neko be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1969–2024