Aiko

📖 About Aiko

Aiko is a Japanese name most commonly written with the kanji 愛子, meaning 'child of love' or 'beloved child.' The character 愛 (ai) means 'love' or 'affection,' while 子 (ko) means 'child' — a suffix traditionally associated with feminine names in Japan. The name has deep historical roots in Japanese culture, appearing in aristocratic families since the Heian period (794–1185). Its most prominent modern bearer is Princess Aiko (born 2001), the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, whose birth reignited national debate about female succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Though the name saw peak popularity in Japan during the mid-20th century, it remains a timeless classic. Outside Japan, Aiko has gained international recognition, partly through its simplicity and the universal appeal of its meaning. The name also exists in some West African traditions, where it can mean 'beloved' in certain Yoruba-influenced naming conventions.