Find out how popular the first name Yao has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.
Meaning tall or high in Chinese origin.
Based on the last 40 years of data, Yao is exclusively a male name.
For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Yao.
| Year | Male Count | Female Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 0 |
| 2021 | 5 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | 5 | 0 |
| 2017 | 8 | 0 |
| 2016 | 5 | 0 |
| 2009 | 6 | 0 |
| 2008 | 5 | 0 |
| 2006 | 7 | 0 |
| 2005 | 7 | 0 |
| 2004 | 6 | 0 |
| 2003 | 6 | 0 |
| 2002 | 5 | 0 |
| 1995 | 7 | 0 |
| 1993 | 6 | 0 |
| 1989 | 5 | 0 |
| 1988 | 5 | 0 |
| 1984 | 10 | 0 |
The given name Yao has its origins in Chinese culture and language. It is a monosyllabic name derived from the ancient Chinese word "yao", which means "lofty" or "sublime". The name has been in use for centuries, with records dating back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BC).
Yao is mentioned in several ancient Chinese texts, including the classic philosophical work "Tao Te Ching" by Lao Tzu. In this text, the name is used to symbolize the concept of the "Way" or the fundamental principle of the universe. The name also appears in the "Book of Documents", one of the oldest Chinese classical texts, which records the reigns of ancient kings.
One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Yao was the legendary ruler Yao, who is believed to have lived during the 24th century BC. He is revered in Chinese mythology as a sage king and is celebrated for his virtues, wisdom, and benevolent rule. Another notable figure was Yao Jing (1011-1094), a renowned Chinese philosopher and scholar of the Song Dynasty.
In the realm of literature, Yao Xueqin (1759-1831) was a prominent Chinese writer and poet during the Qing Dynasty. He is best known for his masterpiece "The Dream of the Red Chamber", which is considered one of the greatest novels in Chinese literature.
Moving into the modern era, Yao Ming (born 1980) is a prominent figure who brought international recognition to the name. He is a former professional basketball player from China who played in the NBA for the Houston Rockets and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the league's history.
Another notable individual is Yao Wenyuan (1931-2005), a Chinese writer and literary critic who played a significant role during the Cultural Revolution in China. He was known for his radical left-wing views and was a prominent figure in the "Gang of Four".
These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Yao throughout history, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and significance in Chinese society.
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 Yao was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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