Nobuko Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: NOH-boo-koh /nobɯ̥ko/
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: trustworthy child; obedient child
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Nobuko is of Japanese origin, deriving from the elements "nobu" (信) meaning "trust" or "faith" and "ko" (子) meaning "child". This name is constructed using kanji characters that convey positive attributes, often associated with virtues such as reliability and integrity.
The linguistic roots of Nobuko can be traced back to classical Japanese, where names often reflect desirable qualities or familial aspirations, particularly in the context of female names, which frequently incorporate the suffix "ko" to denote "child" or "daughter". Historically, the use of the name Nobuko can be linked to the broader cultural practices of naming in Japan, which have evolved over centuries.
During the Heian period (794-1185), names began to take on more poetic and meaningful connotations, reflecting the aesthetic values of the time. Nobuko, as a name, fits into this tradition, embodying the cultural emphasis on moral character and familial honor.
While specific historical figures named Nobuko may not be widely documented, the name's components resonate with the values upheld in various Japanese literary and philosophical texts throughout the centuries. Culturally, Nobuko symbolizes the importance of trust and faith within familial and social relationships, which are central tenets in Japanese society.
The name has been used in various contexts, including literature and art, where characters named Nobuko often embody these virtues. Additionally, diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, reflecting the affectionate and familial nature of Japanese naming conventions.
Overall, Nobuko represents a blend of linguistic heritage, historical significance, and cultural values that have contributed to its enduring presence in Japanese naming traditions.
Famous people named Nobuko
In this section, you will find notable people named Nobuko. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Nobuko who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Nobuko who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Nobuko Miyamoto is an actress and singer best known for The King and I, The Flower Drum Song, and her work with the East West Players.
Fictional characters named Nobuko
The following list of fictional characters named Nobuko is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Nobuko is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Kimi ni Todoke. She is a supportive friend of the protagonist, helping to navigate social challenges and relationships.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Nobuko, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Nobuko. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Nobuko was first seen in the United States in 1915.
Nobuko has ranked as high as #883 nationally, which occurred in 1924, and has been most popular in Hawaii, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Nobuko has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Nobuko is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Nobuko was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Nobuko (1935)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Nobuko.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1941 | 6 |
| 1940 | 6 |
| 1938 | 6 |
| 1937 | 5 |
| 1935 | 9 |
| 1934 | 6 |
| 1933 | 12 |
| 1932 | 9 |
| 1931 | 7 |
| 1930 | 9 |
| 1929 | 21 |
| 1928 | 17 |
| 1927 | 20 |
| 1926 | 27 |
| 1925 | 28 |
| 1924 | 33 |
| 1923 | 16 |
| 1922 | 23 |
| 1921 | 27 |
| 1920 | 22 |
| 1919 | 16 |
| 1918 | 9 |
| 1917 | 13 |
| 1916 | 13 |
| 1915 | 11 |