Shigeko is a feminine Japanese given name, typically formed by combining a first element meaning "flourishing" or "become" (written with kanji such as 繁 or 成) with the element ko meaning "child" (子). Like many Japanese names, other kanji combinations are possible, allowing for variations in meaning while retaining the same pronunciation. Etymology The name combines the morpheme shige, which can carry connotations of abundance or achievement, with the common feminine suffix -ko. This pattern is widespread in traditional Japanese female names (e.g., Tomoko, Sachiko), though in recent decades the use of -ko has declined. Depending on the chosen kanji, Shigeko may be written as 成子 ("becoming child") or 繁子 ("luxuriant child"), among other possibilities. Notable Bearers Shigeko Higashikuni (1925–1961), a princess of imperial Japan, was the first daughter of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako. Forced to relinquish her status due to post-war constitutional changes, she later faced personal hardships. Activist Shigeko Sasamori (1932–2024) survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima as a teenager and became a prominent peace advocate, sharing her story to promote disarmament. In the arts, Shigeko Kubota (1937–2015) was an influential Japanese-American avant-garde sculptor and video artist, associated with the Fluxus movement. Others include athlete Shigeko Kawanishi, a competitive swimmer who represented Japan in the 1960s, and Shigeko Uchida, a manga artist active under the pen name Shungicu Uchida. Additionally, Uryū Shigeko (1862–1928) was a pioneering educator during the Meiji and Taishō eras, working to advance women's education. These bearers exemplify the name's association with a range of fields from nobility to the avant-garde. Cultural Notes The suffix -ko literally means "child" and was historically common in female names in Japan, reflecting a trend that peaked in the mid-20th century. While many Japanese girls still receive names ending in -ko, the use has become less prevalent in favor of alternatives like -mi ("beauty") or Western-inflected suffixes. The element shige can also be shared with male names like Shigeo, demonstrating the flexibility of root morphemes across genders. For a foreign audience, Shigeko may be identified with Princess Shigeko, adding name recognition for 20th-century Japanese history enthusiasts. Meaning: Related to flourishing, luxury, or becoming; combined with "child." Origin: Japanese. Type: Feminine given name. Kana/Rōmaji: しげこ. Common Kanji: 成子, 繁子, 滋子.