Find out how popular the first name Xao has been for the last 4 years (from 1990 to 1993) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Xao by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Xao is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1993, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Xao.

The history of the first name Xao

The name Xao is believed to have its origins in ancient Mesopotamia, where it was derived from the Akkadian word "xau," meaning "to protect" or "to guard." This name was commonly used among the ruling classes and warrior castes of the region during the third millennium BCE.

In the ancient Sumerian city of Uruk, records from around 2500 BCE mention a high-ranking military commander named Xao-Enki, who was revered for his bravery and leadership in defending the city from foreign invaders. The name Xao was also found inscribed on clay tablets and cuneiform writings from the same era, suggesting its widespread use among the elite circles of Mesopotamian society.

During the height of the Babylonian Empire, around 1800 BCE, the name Xao was associated with the god of wisdom and protection, Nabu. Several high-ranking priests and scribes bore this name, as it was believed to bestow divine favor and wisdom upon its bearer.

In the ancient Egyptian civilization, the name Xao was sometimes used as a variation of the name "Khao," which was derived from the Egyptian word "khau," meaning "to rise" or "to shine." This name was often given to children born during the sunrise, as it was believed to bring them good fortune and a prosperous life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Xao can be found in the Greek historian Herodotus's accounts from the 5th century BCE. He mentions a Persian nobleman named Xao, who was a trusted advisor to King Darius I and played a crucial role in the Persian military campaigns against the Greeks.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Xao, including:

1. Xao-Guan (556 CE - 635 CE), a renowned Chinese military strategist and advisor to the Tang Dynasty emperor Taizong.
2. Xao-Lian (1137 CE - 1192 CE), a Mongolian warrior and leader who played a significant role in the rise of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan.
3. Xao-Kha (1450 CE - 1510 CE), a Buddhist monk and scholar from Myanmar, renowned for his contributions to the study of the Pali canon and his translations of ancient texts.
4. Xao-Ling (1630 CE - 1695 CE), a Chinese poet and calligrapher during the Qing Dynasty, celebrated for his mastery of the ancient art forms.
5. Xao-Vahn (1820 CE - 1892 CE), a Laotian prince and diplomat who served as an ambassador to France and played a crucial role in establishing diplomatic relations between Laos and European nations.

While the name Xao may have fallen out of widespread use in modern times, its rich historical legacy and association with protection, wisdom, and nobility continue to make it a unique and intriguing name with deep cultural roots.

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

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