Find out how popular the first name Xiao has been for the last 23 years (from 1984 to 2006) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Xiao by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Xiao is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 92% of people named Xiao being female.

For the most recent data in 2006, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Xiao.

The history of the first name Xiao

The given name Xiao has its origins in Chinese culture, tracing back to ancient times. It is a unisex name that can be used for both males and females. The character 小 (Xiao) means "small" or "little" in Mandarin Chinese, often conveying a sense of humility, modesty, or affection.

In traditional Chinese philosophy and literature, the concept of "small" or "little" held profound significance, symbolizing simplicity, humility, and the essence of true wisdom. The name Xiao may have been bestowed upon children as a reminder to cultivate these virtues and embrace a modest and unassuming outlook on life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Xiao can be found in the classical Chinese text "Analects of Confucius," written around the 5th century BCE. In this work, Xiao is mentioned as the name of a disciple of the renowned philosopher Confucius, highlighting the name's ancient roots.

Throughout Chinese history, several notable figures have borne the name Xiao. One of the most famous is Xiao Baiyun (363-429 CE), a celebrated poet and calligrapher during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. His works are celebrated for their elegance and profound insights into the human condition.

Another influential figure was Xiao Xian (489-537 CE), a prominent Buddhist monk and scholar during the Northern Wei Dynasty. He is credited with translating numerous Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Chinese, playing a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism throughout East Asia.

In the realm of art and literature, Xiao Hong (1911-1942) was a renowned Chinese writer and poet renowned for her poignant depictions of life in rural China during the tumultuous early 20th century. Her novel "Tales of Hulan River" is considered a masterpiece of modern Chinese literature.

Moving forward in time, Xiao Zhan (born 1991) is a contemporary Chinese actor, singer, and model who has gained immense popularity in recent years. His performances in various television dramas and films have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following.

Throughout the centuries, the name Xiao has been consistently used across various regions of China, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its deep-rooted cultural significance and the universal appeal of the virtues it represents.

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

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

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