Miko巫女

/MEE-ko/

JapaneseGirl

Miko is a Japanese girl's name pronounced /MEE-ko/. The name literally translates to a shrine maiden or a female shaman in the Shinto tradition.

Meaning of Miko

The name literally translates to a shrine maiden or a female shaman in the Shinto tradition.

The name is derived from the Japanese kanji 'mi' (神) meaning god or spirit, and 'ko' (子) meaning child. Historically, a Miko was a woman who served at Shinto shrines, performing sacred dances and acting as a medium for divine communication. While traditionally a title, it has been adopted as a given name using various kanji combinations such as 美 (beautiful) and 子 (child).

Origin
Japanese
Pronunciation
/MEE-ko/

Cultural background

In modern Japan, the name carries a sense of spiritual elegance and tradition, though it is also widely recognized internationally due to its presence in popular culture.

Variations & nicknames

  • Meiko
  • Micoh
  • Myko
  • Michiko
  • Mikka

Famous people named Miko

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Miko Mission

    Italian Italo disco singer known for the hit How Old Are You.

    Music · 1980s

  • Miko Hughes

    American actor known for roles in Pet Sematary and Apollo 13.

    Film · 1990s-Present

  • Miko Tripalo

    Croatian politician and leader of the Croatian Spring movement.

    Politics · 1960s-1970s

  • Miko Weaver

    American guitarist best known for his work with Prince.

    Music · 1980s-1990s

  • Miko Nakadai

    Fictional human protagonist in the series Transformers: Prime.

    Film · 2010-2013

Frequently asked about Miko

Is Miko a male or female name?
In Japan, Miko is traditionally a female name. However, in European cultures, it is often used as a diminutive or nickname for male names like Michael or Mikolaj.
What does Miko mean in Japanese culture?
It refers to a 'shrine maiden,' a woman who serves at a Shinto shrine and performs ceremonial duties.
Can Miko be a nickname for other names?
Yes, it is frequently used as a short form for Michael (English/German), Mikolaj (Polish), or Miloslav (Slavic).

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