Find out how popular the first name Keo has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Keo by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Keo is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 19 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Keo.

The history of the first name Keo

The name Keo has its origins in Southeast Asia, particularly in the regions of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It is believed to have derived from the ancient Khmer language, which was spoken in the powerful Khmer Empire that dominated the region from the 9th to the 15th century.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Keo can be found in the Khmer inscriptions from the Angkor period, which spanned from the 9th to the 15th century. These inscriptions were carved onto stone temples and monuments, and they often contained the names of rulers, nobles, and other important figures.

In the ancient Khmer language, the name Keo is thought to have meant "precious" or "valuable," possibly referring to the gemstones and precious metals that were highly prized in the region. It may have been used as a name to convey a sense of importance or value to the person bearing it.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Keo. One of the earliest known was Keo Kulok, a Khmer prince who lived during the 13th century and was a prominent figure in the Khmer court.

Another notable Keo was Keo Aram, a Khmer military commander who lived in the 16th century and played a pivotal role in defending the Khmer Empire against invading forces from neighboring kingdoms.

In the 19th century, there was Keo Nivong, a Khmer scholar and poet who was renowned for his contributions to the preservation of Khmer literature and culture.

Moving into the 20th century, Keo Samdech was a Cambodian politician and diplomat who served as the Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1955 to 1956.

More recently, Keo Sokngon was a Cambodian artist and sculptor who was active in the late 20th century and was known for his intricate wood carvings depicting scenes from Khmer mythology and history.

While the name Keo has its roots in ancient Southeast Asian cultures, it has since spread to other parts of the world, particularly through migration and cultural exchange. However, its historical significance and connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer people remain an integral part of its meaning and legacy.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Keo was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Keo, please contact us.

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