Eiko

Eiko is a Japanese given name that is primarily used for women. It has also appeared in historical records and in modern contexts as a personal name among Japanese people and communities abroad. In Japan, the name is almost always given to girls and is encountered in literature, media, and everyday life.

The meaning of Eiko varies with the kanji characters chosen to write it. Common spellings include 栄子, which combines characters meaning prosperity or glory with the character for “child,” yielding a meaning related to prosperity or honors for the child. Other kanji combinations such as 映子 (shine, child) and 英子 (outstanding, child) are also used. Because many kanji options exist for the sound “ei” and “ko,” parents may select different meanings when naming a child.

In contemporary usage, Eiko remains a recognized Japanese given name and appears in fictional works such as anime, manga, and video games, as well as in real-life names among people of Japanese heritage. The name’s appeal lies in its concise, traditional feel and its flexibility through various kanji forms, allowing for a range of positive associations without altering the familiar pronunciation.

Overall, Eiko is best described as a traditional Japanese feminine name with multiple kanji spellings, carrying meanings related to prosperity, shine, or excellence, depending on the chosen characters. Its usage spans historical and modern periods, across both Japan and international contexts where Japanese names are encountered.