Sadako is a Japanese feminine given name, most commonly written with the kanji 貞子, meaning "virtuous, chaste" (sada) and "child" (ko), though other kanji combinations exist.Etymology and OriginsThe name Sadako is composed of two elements: sada (貞), meaning "chaste" or "virtuous," and ko (子), meaning "child." The same kanji combination can also be read as a Korean female given name, Jeong-ja. An alternative reading, 節子, carries the meaning "child of integrity." The name has been used historically in Japan since at least the Heian period.Notable BearersSeveral historical and modern figures bear the name Sadako. Fujiwara no Teishi (藤原 定子; 977–1001) was an empress consort of Emperor Ichijō. Princess Sadako Kujō (九条 節子; 1884–1951) later became Empress Teimei, wife of Emperor Taishō. Others include:Sadako Sasaki (佐々木 禎子; 1943–1955), a childhood Hiroshima atomic bomb victim who folded origami cranes, becoming an international symbol of peace.Sadako Ogata (緒方 貞子; 1927–2019), a Japanese scholar and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.Sadako Kurihara (栗原 貞子; 1913–2005), a Japanese poet and atomic bomb survivor.Sadako Moriguchi (森口 貞子; 1907–2002), an American businesswoman.Cultural SignificanceThe name Sadako gained global recognition through Sadako Sasaki and the legend of the thousand origami cranes, which symbolizes peace and healing. The tale is featured prominently in literature and film, making the name a poignant reminder of nuclear disarmament. In the West, the name is also known from the horror franchise "The Ring," where a vengeful ghost named Sadako Yamamura appears.Meaning: "Chaste child" or "child of integrity" (varies by kanji)Origin: JapaneseType: Feminine given nameUsage regions: Japan