Rising since 1986, #341 for boys today.
Popularity of Cairo since 1979
Babies named Cairo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 | 18 |
| 1990s | 52 | 97 |
| 2000s | 48 | 344 |
| 2010s | 186 | 2,987 |
| 2020s | 298 | 5,963 |
Meaning & origin
Cairo first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1979, and since 1986 it has been on a steady upward trajectory, reaching its peak rank of 341 in 2022. In 2025, the name continues to be given to approximately 1 in 1,770 boys, reflecting its growing appeal. The name is most popular in the District of Columbia, Delaware, and Rhode Island, suggesting a preference in urban and northeastern areas. Cairo fits within a broader trend of place names and international city names being adopted as given names, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar choice. Its Arabic origin lends it a sense of strength and global connectivity, without being tied to a specific religious or cultural tradition in its modern usage.
Cairo is a place name taken from the capital of Egypt, which derives from Arabic al-Qahirah, meaning 'the victorious' or 'the subduer.' The name gained traction as a given name in the United States beginning in the late 20th century, reflecting a broader trend of using international city names as baby names. Its modern adoption is primarily as a non-traditional, geographically inspired name.
Where Cairo is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Cairo” around the world
Where Cairo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
25
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Sibling names for Cairo
Names that share Cairo's style, for a brother or sister.
