Akiko

Meaning of Akiko

Akiko is a Japanese feminine given name typically written with the kanji 秋子—“autumn child”—or 明子—“bright child”—and is phonetically realized as [aːkikoː] in standard Japanese, featuring a lengthened initial vowel and a balanced moraic pattern. In the United States, Akiko has maintained a modest but consistent presence since the early 20th century, with annual Social Security Administration registrations fluctuating between five and fourteen births in recent years and a 2024 rank of 945, indicating a steady niche appeal rather than mainstream popularity; despite its literal translation, it has yet to trigger a seasonal naming surge. Its persistence in U.S. naming data suggests a deliberate choice among some parents for culturally resonant names that emphasize global heritage and linguistic precision over prevailing naming trends.