Meaning and history
Naoko is a Japanese feminine name whose meaning depends on the kanji. Common writings include 直子, “honest” or “straightforward child,” 尚子, “esteemed child,” and 奈緒子, whose elements have different phonetic and semantic roles. The ending ko commonly means “child,” but not every spelling uses the same first elements. Notable bearers include Japanese manga artist Naoko Takeuchi, creator of Sailor Moon, and Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki. Original characters determine the precise meaning.