Holding steady.
Popularity of Pao since 1979
Babies named Pao per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 175 |
| 1990s | 121 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Pao is a rare name in the United States, first recorded for boys in 1979. It did not rank in any year, reflecting its extremely low usage. The name reached its modest peak in 1991, and from the 1990s onward it has remained stable in its obscurity. With a 1-in-n value that is effectively incalculable due to its rarity, Pao represents a mostly uncharted choice. It has not been recorded in any top states, suggesting a scattered presence. The name's etymology is uncertain; it may be a modern shortening of longer names like Paola or Paulina, or a respelling of the Chinese name Bao. Given its rarity, Pao offers a unique and unconventional option for parents seeking a name with minimal historical baggage.
The name Pao is of uncertain origin. It may have emerged as a shortening of longer names such as Paola or Paulina, or as a respelling of the Chinese name Bao. In the United States, it has been in sporadic use since the late 20th century, recorded for boys since 1979. Its usage has remained rare and stable.
“Pao” around the world
Where Pao lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Bao
Sibling names for Pao
Names that share Pao's style, for a brother or sister.
