Bao

Meaning & origin

Bao is a Chinese name meaning 'treasure' that has seen modest use in the United States since it was first recorded in 1976. The name has never been common, reaching its peak popularity in 1986, but it has recently shown a rising trend since 2021. In 2025, Bao ranked #7679 with 1 in 170,808 babies given the name. While it is used for both boys and girls in China, U.S. records indicate it has been used almost exclusively for boys. Because of its rarity, no state concentration data is available, but the name's simplicity and positive meaning make it a distinctive choice for families seeking a cross-cultural name.

Bao is a Chinese name derived from the character 宝 (bǎo) meaning 'treasure' or 'precious'. It is used for both boys and girls in China, though in the United States, the Social Security Administration has recorded it predominantly as a boy's name since 1976. The name's simplicity and positive meaning have contributed to its cross-cultural appeal, though its usage in the U.S. remains rare.