Atsuko

Atsuko is a feminine given name of Japanese origin. In Japanese, it is typically pronounced a-tsu-ko and can be written with various kanji, or in kana. The most common suffix in female names is the character ko (子), meaning “child,” while the preceding character often conveys qualities such as sincerity, virtue, or generosity. Because of the kanji options, the name carries different nuances without changing its basic gender association.

The meaning of Atsuko varies with the kanji used. For example, 敦子 commonly implies propriety or earnestness, while 厚子 can carry a sense of warmth or generosity. The flexibility of possible spellings means Atsuko has appeared across different periods of Japanese history, and its popularity has fluctuated over time and by region. Like many traditional names, it saw particular prominence in the mid-20th century and remains in use today, though less as a mainstream choice than in earlier generations.

Notable people with the name include Atsuko Maeda (born 1991), a Japanese singer and actress who rose to fame as a member of the idol group AKB48 and has pursued solo work and acting. Another prominent bearer is Atsuko Tanaka (1932–2005), a Japanese painter and performance artist associated with the Gutai group, known for experimental works such as Electric Dress.

In culture, Atsuko is used as a given name for fictional characters in Japanese literature, film, and animation, reflecting its ongoing presence in contemporary naming practices.