Itsuko

Itsuko is a traditional Japanese female given name. Like many Japanese names, its meaning can vary significantly depending on the kanji characters used to write it. Common kanji combinations include 五子 (itsu 'five' + ko 'child'), 逸子 (itsu 'escape, excel' + ko 'child'), 厳子 (itsu 'strict, severe' + ko 'child'), and 斎子 (itsu 'purification, abstinence' + ko 'child'). The 'ko' (子) suffix, meaning 'child', was extremely common in female Japanese names for much of the 20th century, though its popularity has waned in recent decades.

The name reflects a cultural practice of choosing kanji for their auspicious meanings or phonetic qualities. The specific meaning often chosen by parents would reflect their hopes or aspirations for their daughter. The 'ko' suffix itself was a mark of femininity and often implied a sense of purity or innocence.