Keiko as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Keiko

What is the meaning of the name Keiko ?

The baby name Keiko is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced Japanese: [keiko] (keh-ee-koh); English approximation: /ˈkeɪkoʊ/ (KAY-ko).

Keiko is Japanese in Origin.

Keiko is a Japanese given name, most often feminine, formed from kei and the suffix -ko (“child”). Its meaning depends on the kanji for kei: 恵 (blessing, favor), 敬 (respect), 慶 (celebration), 景 (scenery), 啓 (enlighten/open), 桂 (katsura tree), 圭 (jade/jewel), among others; with 子 it yields senses like “blessed child,” “respectful child,” or “celebratory child.” It can also be written in kana.

In Japan, -ko names surged in popularity in the early to mid‑20th century and later waned, making Keiko feel classic yet retro today. Romanized as Keiko (sometimes Keikō in academic style), it has traveled with the Japanese diaspora and pop culture, and is occasionally treated as unisex abroad. Short forms include Kei. Notable bearers range from marimbist Keiko Abe and actress Keiko Kitagawa to politician Keiko Fujimori; the orca Keiko of Free Willy further familiarized the name. Related Japanese names include Akiko, Yoko, and Naoko.