Aiko
Female nameJapanese
✨ Meaning
Aiko is a Japanese girls' name most often written with characters meaning 'love' and 'child,' giving the reading 'child of love' or 'beloved child.' As with most Japanese names, the sound can be written several ways: other combinations use characters for 'indigo,' 'bright' or 'sorrowful,' and each spelling shifts the sense. The version with the character for love is by far the most common, which is why the name is widely understood as an expression of affection for a daughter.
🌍 Origin
Names ending in the character for child were the standard pattern for Japanese girls through much of the twentieth century, and Aiko belongs to that classical tradition. It gained international recognition through Princess Aiko, daughter of the Japanese Emperor Naruhito, born in 2001. Outside Japan the name appeals to parents who want a short, vowel-rich choice that travels easily.
⭐ Famous People Named Aiko
- Princess Aiko of Japan
- Aiko Uemura
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aiko mean in Japanese?
Written with the characters for love and child, Aiko means 'beloved child.' Other kanji spellings of the same sound carry different meanings.
How is Aiko pronounced?
It is pronounced AH-ee-koh, with three light, evenly weighted syllables and no stress on any one of them.
Is Aiko used outside Japan?
It is uncommon but growing slowly in English-speaking countries, chosen by parents who like its brevity and clear vowel sounds.