Yasuko is a female Japanese given name that has been used in Japan for centuries. It is composed of two kanji characters: 八 and 己. The first character, 八, means "eight," while the second character, 己, refers to oneself or one's own person. Together, they form the name Yasuko, which can be translated as "eight self" or "eighth child." This name is often given to girls who are considered particularly precious or important to their families.
The use of kanji characters in Japanese names dates back to ancient times and reflects a deep cultural tradition rooted in history, literature, and philosophy. The character 八 has been used in many historical texts and documents dating back centuries, making it one of the oldest known kanji characters still in use today. The character 己 is also deeply rooted in Japanese culture and language, appearing frequently in classical poetry and literature.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Yasuko. One famous example is Yasuko Hamada, a renowned Japanese singer and actress from the Taisho era (1912-1926). Despite her significant contributions to Japanese entertainment history, Yasuko Hamada remains relatively unknown outside of Japan due to the language barrier.
Today, Yasuko continues to be a popular name among Japanese families, particularly those who wish to honor ancient traditions and cultural heritage. It is also sometimes given to children born during the eighth month of the year or on the eighth day of the lunar calendar. While the meaning of Yasuko can be interpreted differently depending on individual perspectives, it generally conveys a sense of preciousness, importance, and connection to one's family history.
In conclusion, Yasuko is a traditional Japanese female given name with deep roots in ancient culture and language. Its kanji characters carry significant historical weight and contribute to its enduring popularity among families seeking to preserve their cultural heritage through naming practices.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Yasuko in the United States from 1913 to 1940 and again in 1979.
From 1913 to 1926, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Yasuko each year. The highest peak during this period was in 1921 with 22 births. However, from 1927 onwards, the popularity of the name began to decline.
There were only 5 births named Yasuko in 1938 and again in 1940, indicating that the name was becoming less common during this time period. There was also a gap in data for the years between 1933 and 1937 as well as from 1939 to 1978.
Interestingly, there were still 5 births with the name Yasuko in 1979, suggesting that while the name may have fallen out of favor for several decades, it remained present in American naming culture. Overall, based on these statistics, Yasuko was a relatively uncommon name in the United States during the time period studied.
These statistics can provide insight into trends in baby naming and how they change over time. They also highlight how certain names may experience periods of popularity followed by decline.