aiko

Aiko is a feminine given name of Japanese origin. The meaning of the name depends on the kanji used; the most common rendering is 愛子, which literally means “beloved child” or “loving child,” from ai meaning love and ko meaning child. Other kanji configurations are possible, producing different nuances while preserving the same pronunciation.

The name is widely used in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad. It is considered a traditional yet contemporary choice and appears in literature, film, and media as a plausible Japanese given name. It has been borne by various real people in fields such as the arts, sports, and academia, though no single bearer defines the name.

In fiction, Aiko is a popular character name in anime, manga, and video games, reflecting its cultural familiarity to Japanese audiences.

Pronunciation is typically rendered as eye-koh. The standard romanization is Aiko, and while other spellings are uncommon, different kanji can yield the same pronunciation with varied meanings.