Yao
Boy nameYao has been given to 108 babies in the U.S. since 1984. It peaked in 1984.
Popularity over time births per year, 1880–2025
Total babies
108
Peak year
1984 (10 babies)
Rank in 2025
Below top 1000
First recorded
1984
10-year trend
New / returning
Gender split
All boys
Spellings & variants
Names one letter away from Yao — alternate spellings parents actually use.
Names with a similar vibe
Same primary gender, peaked around the same years, and roughly as common as Yao.
Sibling name ideas for Yao
Same era and popularity as Yao, avoiding matching initials or rhymes.
FAQ
How popular is the name Yao?
Yao has been given to 108 babies in the U.S. since 1984. It ranked below the top 1000 in 2025.
When did the name Yao peak?
Yao peaked in 1984, when 10 babies were given the name.
Is Yao a girl or boy name?
Yao is primarily a boy name (100% of babies named Yao are boys).
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