Neo

“new” — Associated with being modern or innovative

Greece origin · Unisex name

♂ 50% boys♀ 50% girls

#974US 2023

226Births / yr

↓Falling

2kAll-time births

📅 Since 199000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Neo

NEE·oh

/ˈniː.oʊ/ · stress on NEE · 2 syllables

“new”

Associated with being modern or innovative · Greece origin

What does Neo mean and where does it come from?

In Greek, the name Neo means 'new' or 'gift'. It is often associated with being modern or innovative. In South Africa, the name is commonly used among the Tswana people, where it signifies a 'gift' or 'blessing'. The name gained international fame through the character Neo from the movie 'The Matrix

Cultural significance

Neo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of new.

Peak popularity

Reached #1103 in 2020 — currently #974 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Neo?

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

Neo Grace

How popular is Neo right now?

Declining — down 25 spots — currently #974 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#974 · Top 0.72%

1990

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#974	226	▼ down 25 · -6% births
2022	#949	240	▲ up 31 · +6% births
2021	#980	227	▲ up 123 · +28% births
2020	#1103	177	▲ up 744 · +121% births
2015	#1847	80	▲ up 331 · +31% births
2010	#2178	61	▼ down 491 · -24% births
2005	#1687	80	▼ down 504 · -31% births
2000	#1183	116	▲ up 8222 · +2220% births
1990	#9405	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Neo

Best Year2022Rank #949

Peak Count240

Average Rank#2256

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 20239 years

The story of Neo

Neo is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 1,970 total births recorded, Neo remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9405 in 1990 to #974 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Neo in 2020:

Liam Noah Oliver Elijah William

Neo by decade

Neo peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	29
2000s	879
2010s ★	885
2020s	177

💎With 1,970 total births, Neo is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Neo?

Common

NeieNey

What names sound and feel like Neo?

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

Various · Γεωργία, meaning 'earth'

Common questions about the name Neo

What does the name Neo mean?

Neo means "new" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Neo?

Neo is currently ranked #974 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Neo have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Neo?

Neo originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Neo?

Neo is a two-syllable name pronounced N IY1 OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Neo trending right now?

Neo is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.