Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Kimiko
GirlJapanese· “often noble child, depending on kanji”
- Meaning
- often noble child, depending on kanji
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- kee-MEE-koh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #6,991
- US babies 2025
- 16
- Best rank
- #1,269 (1924)
- Peak year
- 1981
Meaning and origin of Kimiko
Kimiko is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “often noble child, depending on kanji”.
Kimiko is a Japanese girls' name ending in ko, child, an ending that was very common for girls during the twentieth century. Its meaning depends on the kanji chosen: with the character for lord or noble it means something like noble child, and other spellings give meanings such as beautiful child of joy. Because the written characters vary, there is no single meaning for the spoken name. In English it is usually said kee-MEE-koh, though Japanese does not stress syllables in the same way. In Japan the name now sounds a little old-fashioned, while in the United States it is known mostly in Japanese American families.
Popularity over time
Kimiko first appears in US Social Security records in 1909. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,269 in 1924, and the most babies received it in 1981, when 80 were named Kimiko. In 2025, 16 babies were named Kimiko, and it ranked #6,991 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,922 in 1920, #2,506 in 1980, #4,896 in 2000, #5,516 in 2010, and #6,991 in 2025. Of the 1,843 US girls named Kimiko since records began, 18% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 249 babies. Since 2010, 326 more have been named Kimiko.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jennette, Lashawna, Brandice, Janina, and Myisha.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kimiko ranked highest in California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #2940 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kimiko is usually pronounced kee-MEE-koh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-ko”.
Middle names for Kimiko
A few middle names that flow with Kimiko: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kimiko
Similar names
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Lists that include Kimiko
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kimiko mean?
Kimiko is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “often noble child, depending on kanji”.
What is the origin of the name Kimiko?
Kimiko has Japanese roots. Kimiko is a Japanese girls' name ending in ko, child, an ending that was very common for girls during the twentieth century.
Is Kimiko a popular name?
Not especially. Kimiko ranked #6,991 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kimiko a boy or girl name?
Kimiko is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kimiko?
Kimiko is usually pronounced kee-MEE-koh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings