Tomiko
Primarily a girl's name of Japanese origin with 918 recorded births. Also given to 7 boys.
Meaning & Origin
A female given name from Japanese.
Tomiko is a girl's and boy's baby name of Japanese origin, most commonly written with kanji combining tomi (富, meaning 'wealth' or 'abundance') and ko (子, meaning 'child'), giving it the meaning 'wealthy child' or 'child of abundance.'
The -ko suffix is a traditional Japanese feminine name ending that was enormously popular through the mid-20th century, appearing in names like Tomiko, Hanako, Yuriko, and Kazuko. Tomiko carries the warmth of traditional Japanese feminine naming — a wish for prosperity and plenty built into the name itself.
EtymologyShow more
Tomiko first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1912. 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
Tomiko has 54+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1912.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 12 | #15421 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 28 | #14388 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 81 | #8478 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 315 | #2796 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 117 | #3730 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 60 | #3144 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 203 | #2178 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 102 | #2465 | — |
The Story of Tomiko
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1968, Tomiko is a Gen X staple. Girls named Tomiko are most likely born between 1958 and 1978.
How rare is Tomiko?
With 918 total births on record, Tomiko remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1912, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1970s with 315 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Tomiko by the numbers
- Would fill 19 school buses
- Meeting one Tomiko per day would take 2.5 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(54 years, 1912–2001)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 5 | #17786 |
| 2000 | 7 | #13056 |
| 1998 | 5 | #16428 |
| 1996 | 6 | #13407 |
| 1994 | 6 | #13330 |
| 1993 | 6 | #13331 |
| 1992 | 5 | #15446 |
| 1989 | 6 | #12271 |
| 1988 | 6 | #11699 |
| 1987 | 12 | #6315 |
| 1986 | 6 | #10820 |
| 1984 | 6 | #10332 |
| 1983 | 10 | #6675 |
| 1982 | 12 | #5886 |
| 1981 | 10 | #6779 |
| 1980 | 13 | #5526 |
| 1979 | 17 | #4410 |
| 1978 | 16 | #4442 |
| 1977 | 27 | #2996 |
| 1976 | 35 | #2384 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Tomiko as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Tomiko has also been given to 7 boys in the U.S. since 1975.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tomiko a boy's or girl's name?
When was Tomiko most popular?
How popular is the name Tomiko?
Can Tomiko be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1912–2001