Declining since 2022, #5,608 for boys today.
Popularity of Tao since 1970
Babies named Tao per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 45 |
| 1980s | 37 |
| 1990s | 23 |
| 2000s | 116 |
| 2010s | 131 |
| 2020s | 81 |
Meaning & origin
Tao is a rare unisex name with deep roots in Chinese philosophy, meaning 'way' or 'path.' Its recorded use in the United States began in 1970, and it has remained uncommon. The name saw its peak popularity in 2021, ranking 5,608th in 2025 with an incidence of 1 in 106,755 births. However, popularity has been declining since 2022. Tao has not appeared significantly in any top state lists, consistent with its niche status. As a simple, one-syllable name with a rich cultural background, it appeals to parents drawn to philosophical or cross-cultural names.
Tao (道) is a Chinese word meaning 'way', 'path', or 'doctrine', central to Taoism and Confucianism. As a given name, it was virtually unknown in the West until the mid-20th century, with its earliest U.S. recording in 1970. Adoption increased modestly after the 1970s, possibly influenced by intercultural exchange and philosophical interest.
“Tao” around the world
Where Tao lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
280
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Dao
Sibling names for Tao
Names that share Tao's style, for a brother or sister.
