riko

Riko is a feminine given name of Japanese origin. The meaning of the name depends on the kanji used to write it. Common spellings include 理子 (reason, logic + child), 莉子 (jasmine + child), and 梨子 (pear + child), among many possible combinations. Because kanji choices vary, there is no single fixed meaning for the name.

In contemporary use, Riko is widely recognized as a Japanese given name and appears in fiction and media, as well as in real life. The name is often chosen for its pleasant sound and versatile kanji possibilities, and it is typically written in katakana when used by non-Japanese speakers or as a stage name.

Notable fictional characters named Riko appear in several popular works. For example, Riko is the main character in the anime and manga series Made in Abyss, a young cave explorer who travels into a mysterious, descending chasm. Another well-known character is Riko Sakurauchi from Love Live! Sunshine!!, a member of the school idol group featured in the franchise. These appearances reflect the name’s ongoing presence in Japanese pop culture.

Related names include Rika and Rico, which share similar sounds but different origins or spellings. Riko can be adapted to various languages and cultures through transliteration, but its Japanese roots remain the primary source of its usage and meaning.