Mao

“毛 (Máo) - 'hair' or 'fur', can also refer to a surname.”

China origin · Unisex name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1615US 2023

585Births / yr

→Stable

295All-time births

📅 Since 198000

How to pronounce Mao

MOW

/ˈmaʊ/ · stress on MOW · 1 syllable

“毛 (Máo) - 'hair' or 'fur', can also refer to a surname.”

China origin · Unisex name

What does Mao mean and where does it come from?

The name Mao is primarily Chinese, where it can carry various meanings depending on the characters used. The most common character, 毛 (Máo), means 'hair' or can be a surname, while the character 猫 (Māo) means 'cat'. The name has been historically significant due to notable figures such as Mao Zedong

Cultural significance

Mao has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in China-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 毛 (máo) - 'hair' or 'fur', can also refer to a surname..

Peak popularity

Reached #4472 in 1983 — currently #1615 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Mao?

Mao works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Mao Grace

How popular is Mao right now?

Holding steady — currently #1615 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#1615 · Top 1.2%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1615	585	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1620	565	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021	#1625	535	▲ up 13892 · +8817% births
2010	#15517	6	▼ down 362
2005	#15155	6	▲ up 741 · +20% births
2000	#15896	5	▼ down 8994 · -62% births
1995	#6902	13	▲ up 1432 · +30% births
1990	#8334	10	▼ down 3009 · -29% births
1985	#5325	14	▲ up 2072 · +56% births
1980	#7397	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Mao

Best Year2023Rank #1615

Peak Count585

Average Rank#7939

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 202310 years

The story of Mao

Mao is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. With 295 total births recorded, Mao remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7397 in 1980 to #1615 in 2023. Mao is used for both genders: 97% female and 3% male.

Names that peaked alongside Mao in 1983:

Jennifer Jessica Amanda Ashley Sarah

Mao by decade

Mao peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1980s ★	121
1990s	115
2000s	39
2010s	20

💎Mao has only 295 total recorded births since 1980 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Mao?

Common

MaieMay

What names sound and feel like Mao?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mao also consider these

Kao

China · Nine or long-lasting.

Dao

China · Chinese

Lao

China · 老 (Lǎo) meaning

Xao

China · to laugh or

Hao

China · good; hold; contain;

Common questions about the name Mao

What does the name Mao mean?

Mao means "毛 (Máo) - 'hair' or 'fur', can also refer to a surname." — a name rooted in China tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Mao?

Mao is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Mao?

Mao originates from China tradition. China names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Mao?

Mao is a one-syllable name pronounced M AW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Mao sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Mao flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mao ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.