Sadako is a female given name of Japanese origin, derived from two kanji characters: 'Sa' (early) and 'Daiko' (drum). It's often pronounced as Sa-dah-koh, rhyming with 'straw'. The name Sadako gained significant recognition worldwide due to the tragic tale of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who contracted leukaemia after the Hiroshima bombing. Despite her illness, she folded origami cranes in hope for recovery, inspiring the story of 'Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes', symbolizing peace and healing.
"The name Sadako experienced a significant rise in popularity between 1915 and 1927, peaking at 25 births in 1924 and 1927. However, there was a substantial decline thereafter, with fewer than 10 births recorded each year from 1930 onwards."