Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Thao since 1975
Babies named Thao per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 62 | 6 |
| 1980s | 424 | 108 |
| 1990s | 375 | 78 |
| 2000s | 131 | 0 |
| 2010s | 48 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Thao first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1975, reflecting the wave of Vietnamese immigration following the Vietnam War. The name reached its peak popularity in 1984, but has been on a declining trajectory ever since, with usage falling after 1985. It has never entered the top 1000 nationally, and its one-in-N ratio (the number of births per one child named Thao) is not available, indicating extremely rare usage in recent years. No U.S. states have recorded Thao among their top names, which is consistent with its status as a name closely tied to the Vietnamese-American community. The name's appeal lies in its cultural resonance and gentle sound.
Thao is a Vietnamese name whose precise etymology is debated. It may derive from the Vietnamese word 'thảo' meaning 'grass' or 'herb', or from Sino-Vietnamese 草 (thảo) meaning 'diligent' or 'respectful'. The name has been used in Vietnam for centuries, but its popularity in the United States began in the late 20th century. It is primarily given to girls.
“Thao” around the world
Where Thao lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
75
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Thao
Names that share Thao's style, for a brother or sister.
