Neko
Neko is a boy's name of Japanese origin.
Meaning
Cat.
Origin and history
Neko is a given name and word of Japanese origin, where it translates directly to 'cat'. While more commonly encountered as a feminine or gender-neutral modern name, it has seen steady, low-frequency usage for boys in the United States. It offers a short, distinct sound that appeals to parents looking for nature- or animal-inspired names.
Popularity in the United States
1,001 babies in the United States have been named Neko since 1880. It ranks #3681 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1704.
States where it is most popular
- CA (60 %)
- GA (10 %)
- FL (8.6 %)
- IL (7.1 %)
- MI (7.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 5 |
| 1970-1980 | 0 |
| 1980-1990 | 39 |
| 1990-2000 | 162 |
| 2000-2010 | 245 |
| 2010-2019 | 327 |
| 2020-2029 | 223 |
Fun facts
- In the Japanese language, 'neko' is the standard noun meaning 'cat'.
- The name remains rare in the United States, with just over 1,000 recorded male births since 1880.