Kyouko

Kyouko is a feminine given name of Japanese origin. It is commonly romanized as Kyoko or Kyōko, with the long vowel indicated in some transliterations by a macron or by the letters "ou." The meaning of the name varies with the kanji used to write it, but it most often ends with 子, the character meaning “child.” The first kanji can convey a range of ideas, including 京 for “capital,” 杏 for “apricot,” 恭 for “respectful,” or 輝 for “radiant,” among others. As a result, Kyouko can carry different nuanced meanings depending on the chosen characters.

In Japan, Kyouko has been a common given name since the early 20th century and remains widely used. It is frequently encountered in literature, film, and especially in anime and manga, reflecting its enduring presence in Japanese culture.

Notable real individuals with the name include actress Kyoko Fukada, a prominent figure in Japanese film and television. In fiction, the name appears for various characters, such as Kyoko Honda from Fruits Basket and Kyoko Mogami from Skip Beat!, illustrating the name’s broad appeal in popular media across different genres and eras. The versatility of its kanji spellings contributes to its continued popularity among writers and parents alike.

Overall, Kyouko represents a traditional yet adaptable Japanese name that remains recognizable both in Japan and in international media.