Nobuko is a feminine Japanese given name. It is composed of two kanji elements: nobu (such as 信 meaning "trust" or 伸 meaning "to lengthen") and ko (子) meaning "child." Various kanji combinations are possible, making Nobuko a name with multiple meanings while retaining phonetic consistency. The suffix ko is a common ending for Japanese female names, similar to "-ette" in French or "-ina" in Russian. Written Forms Besides 信子, other written forms include 伸子 ("to lengthen, child"), 延子 ("to prolong, child"), 暢子 ("extend/stretch, child"), and 宜子 ("good, child"). Each variant offers nuanced shades of meaning, with nobu generally conveying positive traits like trust, extension, or goodness. Notable Bearers Nobuko has been carried by numerous notable Japanese women, spanning from royalty to the arts and sports. Princess Nobuko (named Fumi-no-miya Nobuko Naishinnō), the eighth daughter of Emperor Meiji, bore the name in the late 19th century. More recently, Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (born Nobuko Asō) is a member of the Japanese imperial family. In the arts, Nobuko Albery was a Japanese author and theatrical producer, while Nobuko Imai (born 1943) is a renowned classical violist. Sports figures include Nobuko Fujimura, a long-distance runner, and Nobuko Fukuda, a cross-country skier. The versatility of the name Nobuko, both in meaning and kanji forms, has contributed to its enduring use in Japan. Culturel Significance In Japanese naming tradition, names ending with ko became especially popular during the Meiji era and remain common for women. Nobuko reflects this trend while giving parents flexibility in choosing auspicious kanji for the nobu component. Meaning: Trust, to lengthen, or extend (among others) + child (子) Origin: Japanese Type: First name Usage regions: Japan