Holding steady.
Popularity of Yao since 1984
Babies named Yao per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 20 |
| 1990s | 13 |
| 2000s | 42 |
| 2010s | 23 |
| 2020s | 10 |
Meaning & origin
Yao is a name with deep roots in Chinese culture, carrying meanings related to brightness and sunshine. According to U.S. Social Security data, the name first appeared in 1984 and has maintained a stable trajectory since then. It has never cracked the top 1000, remaining a distinctive choice. The name's peak year was its first recorded year, 1984, reflecting its rarity. While it has no top states or strong regional concentration, it has gained some international recognition through figures like basketball star Yao Ming. Its simple yet powerful sound makes it accessible globally.
Yao (姚) is a Chinese surname and given name. As a surname, it is traced back to the ancient state of Yao during the Zhou dynasty. As a given name, it is often derived from characters meaning 'bright' or 'sunshine'. The name has become familiar internationally through notable figures such as basketball player Yao Ming. Its use outside of Chinese communities is rare but growing.
“Yao” around the world
Where Yao lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Yao
Names that share Yao's style, for a brother or sister.
