What does Kiku mean?
Kiku is the Japanese word for the chrysanthemum, a flower of autumn and of the imperial family.
What does Nao mean?
Nao is commonly written with a kanji meaning “honest,” “straight” or “true.”
Kiku vs Nao
Which is more popular?
Kiku and Nao are given to a similar number of US babies today.
| Kiku | Nao | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Chrysanthemum | Honest, straight |
| Origin | Japanese | Japanese |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | KEE-koo | NAH-oh |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1915 | 1980 |
| Peak year | 1915 (7) | 1998 (11) |
| In 2025 | 0 | 0 |
| Trend | Steady | Declining |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Kiku
Nao
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Kiku | Nao |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 0 | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 | 10 |
| 2000s | 0 | 30 |
| 1990s | 0 | 29 |
| 1980s | 0 | 21 |
| 1910s | 7 | 0 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Kiku or Nao more popular?
Kiku and Nao are given to a similar number of US babies today.
What is the difference between Kiku and Nao?
Kiku means Chrysanthemum (Japanese origin), while Nao means Honest, straight (Japanese origin).
Which name is older, Kiku or Nao?
In US records, Kiku first appears in 1915 and Nao in 1980, so Kiku has the longer recorded history.