Teruko is a delightful Japanese female given name that holds significant charm and meaning. Derived from the kanji characters "手" (te) meaning hand, and "るこ" (ruko) which can be interpreted as "child", Teruko literally translates to "hand child". This unique combination suggests grace, dexterity, and nurturing qualities associated with this name.
In Japan, Teruko was particularly popular during the post-World War II era. It reflects a time of rebuilding and renewal, and those named Teruko may embody the spirit of adaptability and resilience that defined their generation. Today, while not as widespread as it once was, Teruko remains an endearing name choice for parents seeking to honor Japanese heritage or culture.
Interestingly, Teruko can also be found in other cultures, albeit less commonly. In some instances, it has been adopted by individuals attracted to its unique sound and meaning, further adding to the global appeal of this name.
Overall, Teruko is a captivating name with a rich history and meaningful roots. Its beauty lies not only in its pronunciation but also in the profound story it tells about its origins and cultural significance.
The name Teruko experienced its peak popularity between 1927 and 1932, with a significant jump from 45 births in 1927 to 6 births in 1934, indicating a rapid decline in usage thereafter. However, there was a brief resurgence in the late 70s with 8 births in both 1973 and 1981, suggesting some renewed interest in the name during this period. Overall, Teruko was most commonly used as a baby girl's name during the early to mid-20th century.