What does Riko mean?
Riko often pairs the kanji for “jasmine” with “child” (子), a classic feminine ending.
What does Nao mean?
Nao is commonly written with a kanji meaning “honest,” “straight” or “true.”
Riko vs Nao
Which is more popular?
Riko and Nao are given to a similar number of US babies today.
| Riko | Nao | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Jasmine child | Honest, straight |
| Origin | Japanese | Japanese |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | REE-koh | NAH-oh |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 2002 | 1980 |
| Peak year | 2017 (12) | 1998 (11) |
| In 2025 | 0 | 0 |
| Trend | Steady | Declining |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Riko
Nao
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Riko | Nao |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 18 | 5 |
| 2010s | 50 | 10 |
| 2000s | 40 | 30 |
| 1990s | 0 | 29 |
| 1980s | 0 | 21 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Riko or Nao more popular?
Riko and Nao are given to a similar number of US babies today.
What is the difference between Riko and Nao?
Riko means Jasmine child (Japanese origin), while Nao means Honest, straight (Japanese origin).
Which name is older, Riko or Nao?
In US records, Riko first appears in 2002 and Nao in 1980, so Nao has the longer recorded history.