Find out how popular the first name Neo has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Neo by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Neo is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Neo being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 226 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Neo.

The history of the first name Neo

The name Neo has its origins in the Greek language and culture, emerging during the classical period of ancient Greece. It is derived from the Greek word "neos," which translates to "new" or "young." This name was given to children as a symbolic representation of new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and the potential for growth and renewal.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Neo can be found in ancient Greek literature, specifically in the works of the philosopher Plato. In his dialogues, Plato introduced a character named Neo, who was a student of the renowned philosopher Socrates. This literary reference highlights the name's association with intellectualism and the pursuit of knowledge.

In the realm of Greek mythology, the name Neo was sometimes associated with the goddess Eos, the personification of dawn, further reinforcing its connection to new beginnings and the cycle of life. Additionally, some historical records suggest that the name was popular among Greek families during the Hellenistic period, spanning from the 4th to the 1st century BC.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Neo. One of the most famous was Neo of Sion, a Christian martyr and saint who lived in the 3rd century AD. He is revered for his unwavering faith and his willingness to sacrifice his life for his beliefs during the Roman persecutions of Christians.

Another prominent figure was Neo Choriates, a Byzantine historian and theologian who lived in the 13th century. He is best known for his historical accounts and his contributions to the preservation of Byzantine literature and culture.

In the realm of philosophy, Neo Platonism, a school of thought that emerged in the 3rd century AD, took its name from the Greek philosopher Plotinus, whose first name was Neo. This philosophical movement sought to reconcile Platonic philosophy with various religious and mystical traditions, leaving a lasting impact on Western thought.

During the Renaissance period, Neo Fechin, an Irish monk and scribe, gained recognition for his exceptional calligraphic skills and his contributions to the preservation of ancient texts. His work played a crucial role in the transmission of knowledge during a time when scholarship and learning were highly valued.

In more recent times, Neo Rauch, a contemporary German painter born in 1960, has gained international acclaim for his surrealistic and enigmatic works of art, which often explore themes of memory, history, and the human condition.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the name Neo, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human achievement and cultural heritage.

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 Neo was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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