No, Reiko is not a unisex name; it is a feminine Japanese given name.
Understanding the Name Reiko
The name Reiko (れいこ, レイコ) is a traditional and widely recognized feminine name in Japan. Its various kanji spellings, such as 麗子, 怜子, 伶子, 玲子, 令子, 礼子, 禮子, and 冷子, commonly incorporate the character '子' (ko), which translates to "child." This 'ko' suffix has historically been, and remains, a strong indicator of a feminine name in Japanese naming conventions.
Gender Classification in Japanese Naming
In Japanese culture, specific characters and name endings are deeply associated with a particular gender. While some Japanese names can indeed be unisex or have different gender usages depending on the kanji characters employed, names ending in '子' (ko) are overwhelmingly feminine. This makes Reiko distinctly female, distinguishing it from names that might be used for both genders.
Examples of Usage
Across various fields and generations, individuals named Reiko are almost exclusively women. A notable example is Reiko Aonuma, born in 1954, who is a well-known Japanese women's basketball player. Her public profile further solidifies the name's association with the female gender.
For more information regarding the name Reiko and its origins, you can explore resources like its entry on Wikipedia.
