The Meaning Behind My Name

Hello, my name is Naoko Matsumoto. The “Nao” in my name means “honest,” and “ko” means “child.” Whenever I meet foreign gentlemen and share the meaning of my name, they always smile and say,

“So you are an honest child!”

That simple reaction always warms my heart and makes me grateful to my grandfather, who gave me this name.

The Tradition of ‘Ko’ in My Family

My name is Naoko, my elder sister’s name is Kazuko, my mother’s name is Noriko, and my grandmother’s name is Ayako. In my family, the women’s names have always ended with “ko.”

However, in recent years, this trend has changed in Japan. Many younger Japanese women now have names without “ko,” reflecting modern naming preferences.
For example, names ending with “ka” or “na” are increasingly popular among young Japanese women today.

Is a Name Ending with “KO” Male or Female?

Sometimes, foreign people ask me: “Naoko… Mr. Naoko?”

In English-speaking countries, names like Marco or Franco end with “ko” and are male names. Because of that, they mistakenly think Naoko is a man’s name.

On the other hand, many Japanese female names end with “ka,” such as Norika Fujiwara, Shizuka Kudo, or Fuka Koshiba, giving a modern and feminine impression.
But don’t worry – in Japan, names ending with “ko” are almost always female names.

The Top 50 Japanese Female Names and Their Meanings (2024)

Here are the top 50 Japanese female names for 2024 and their beautiful meanings.
(Reference: Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Name Rankings 2024)

Is your Japanese girlfriend’s name among the top 50 names?

What Does Your Name Mean?

What is the meaning behind your name?

Many foreign gentlemen have names rooted in the Christian Bible or their family history. For Japanese women, these stories are fascinating because they often don’t know much about religious naming traditions. On your next date, try sharing the meaning of your name with her. Tell her the hopes your parents had for you when they chose it.

It will bring you closer and create a deeper bond.

Discuss Your Girlfriend’s Name to Connect

Today, we talked about the beautiful meanings of Japanese women’s names. On your next date, ask your girlfriend about her name and share yours as well. She will surely feel your sincere interest and grow closer to you. If you keep these in mind, you’ll naturally become more attractive to Japanese women.

Are You Thinking About Marrying a Japanese Woman?

If you are seriously thinking about marrying a Japanese woman,  Schedule Your Complementary Matchmaking Consultation Today!

I look forward to helping you find your future Japanese wife.

If you have any other questions, I would be more than happy to answer them. Your questions help others who may have similar thoughts, so please feel free to reach out anytime.

Contact Naoko

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Naoko Matsumoto (まつもとなおこ）
FOUNDER&CEO
Traditional Japanese Matchmaker

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