典子

Noriko

girlJapanese

Noriko is a girl name of Japanese origin, meaning “Child of law or rule (varies with kanji)”.

MeaningChild of law or rule (varies with kanji)
GenderGirl
OriginJapanese
Written as典子
PronunciationNOR-ee-koh
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inJapan

Meaning and origin of Noriko

Noriko joins nori, which can be written with several kanji meaning law, rule, standard or ceremony, and ko, 'child', a common ending for girls' names. As with most Japanese names, the meaning depends on the characters chosen: 典子, 紀子 and 法子 are all read Noriko. It was very popular in Japan in the mid-twentieth century; Princess Noriko of Takamado is a recent bearer.

Is Noriko a religious name?

Noriko is a Japanese given name without a specific religious origin, so it is not a Buddhist name as such, although Japanese families may be Buddhist, Shinto or both.

How popular is Noriko?

Familiar in Japan, especially among women born from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Gifts with the name Noriko

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Spellings and variants of Noriko

Nori

Names similar to Noriko

NoriyoYoshikoMichikoKeiko

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Noriko mean?

Noriko means 'Child of law or rule (varies with kanji)'. It is of Japanese origin.

Does Noriko have a religious meaning?

Noriko is a Japanese given name without a specific religious origin, so it is not a Buddhist name as such, although Japanese families may be Buddhist, Shinto or both.

How do you pronounce Noriko?

Noriko is pronounced NOR-ee-koh.

Is Noriko a boy or girl name?

Noriko is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.