What does Sho mean and where does it come from?
Sho (翔) is a common male given name in Japan and can mean to fly or to soar. It is often associated with a sense of freedom and ambition. The name is popular in various forms of media and culture in Japan and may be characterized by the kanji used for its spelling, which can vary. Notable people inc
Cultural significance
Sho has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to fly.
Peak popularity
Reached #3098 in 1990 — currently #511 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Sho?
Sho works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sho Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sho Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sho Claire
French influence · crisp
Sho Jane
Literary · strong
Sho Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sho right now?
Holding steady — currently #511 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #511 | 1,689 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #516 | 1,669 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #521 | 1,639 | ▲ up 5836 · +12508% births |
| 2015 | #6357 | 13 | ▼ down 560 · -13% births |
| 2010 | #5797 | 15 | ▲ up 5897 · +200% births |
| 2005 | #11694 | 5 | ▼ down 6850 · -67% births |
| 2000 | #4844 | 15 | ▲ up 366 · +36% births |
| 1995 | #5210 | 11 | ▼ down 2112 · -45% births |
| 1990 | #3098 | 20 | ▲ up 3708 · +300% births |
| 1985 | #6806 | 5 | — |
The story of Sho
Sho entered American naming records in 1923 and has been in use for over 101 years. With 414 total births recorded, Sho remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6806 in 1985 to #511 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Sho in 1990:
Sho by decade
Sho peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 8 | |
| 1980s | 55 | |
| 1990s ★ | 129 | |
| 2000s | 110 | |
| 2010s | 112 | |
💎Sho has only 414 total recorded births since 1923 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Sho?
What names sound and feel like Sho?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sho also consider these
How is Sho written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Sho
What does the name Sho mean?
Sho means "to fly" — a name rooted in Japan 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 Sho?
Sho is currently ranked #511 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 Sho?
Sho originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Sho sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Sho flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Sho ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Sho more of a girl or boy name?
Sho is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.