Maiko

♂ Boy

Pronounced MY-koh /ˈmaɪ.koʊ/Medium

Meaning: Maiko is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji chosen; common readings include mai ('dance') plus ko ('child'), giving 'dancing child.' More often a girl's name in Japan, used here for a boy; we note the Japanese route respectfully, romanized.Low

In 30 seconds: A graceful Japanese name: Maiko often reads 'dancing child' (said 'MY-koh'). Kanji-dependent and girl-leaning; we note it.

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Origin LowJapanese

MeaningMaiko is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji chosen; common readings include mai ('dance') plus ko ('child'), giving 'dancing child.' More often a girl's name in Japan, used here for a boy; we note the Japanese route respectfully, romanized.

U.S. rank (2025)#13194 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1999

Total births (all-time)≈ 45

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

As a name, Maiko is Japanese, its meaning shifting with the kanji (often 'dancing child'). It leans to girls in Japan; used here for a boy, we note the Japanese route respectfully (said 'MY-koh').

In the U.S. it appears very rarely for boys, mostly within Japanese families. Rare, graceful, and heritage-rooted.

Did you know? Maiko is a Japanese name often built from 'dance' and 'child' — also the word for an apprentice geisha — more often a girl's name, used here for a boy, which we note respectfully (said 'MY-koh').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Maiko — Japanese name; meaning kanji-dependent ('dancing child'); girl-leaning

Variations

MaikuMeikoMayko

Nicknames

MaiKo

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Maiko…

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Maiko mean?

Maiko is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji; a common reading is 'dancing child,' which we note respectfully.

How do you pronounce Maiko?

It's said MY-koh /ˈmaɪ.koʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Maiko a boy or girl name?

Here Maiko is used as a boy's name; note it is more often a girl's name in Japan.

How popular is Maiko?

Maiko is a very rare name for boys in the U.S., seen mostly in Japanese families.