"city of a thousand minarets"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Cairo
Pronunciation: [ k-EYER-oh ]
Does Cairo flow with your last name?
City of pharaohs, a name meaning 'the victorious'
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The Story of Cairo
Cairo is the English form of Al-Qāhirah (القاهرة), the Arabic name for Egypt's capital, meaning 'the victorious' or 'the conqueror.' The city was founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid general Jawhar al-Siqilli and named in honor of Mars (the planet Al-Qāhir, 'the subduer'), which was at its zenith when the city was founded. Cairo is one of the world's oldest and largest cities, with a metropolitan area of over 21 million people.
Cairo as a given name reflects the growing trend of using world-city names for children — following names like Paris, Milan, London, and Phoenix. It gained recognition in the US partly through the TV show 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody' and celebrity baby name culture. Its bold sound and global recognition make it increasingly popular for both boys and girls.
Cairo has been the cultural capital of the Arab world for centuries, home to Al-Azhar University (founded 970 CE, one of the world's oldest universities), the Egyptian Museum, and the nearby ancient wonders of the Giza pyramids. Naming a child Cairo connects them to this extraordinary crossroads of civilization.
Historical Record
Cairo first appeared in US Social Security records in 1994.
Over 547 babies have been named Cairo in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cairo is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,021 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cairo's name comes from the Arabic word for 'the victorious' — it was named after the planet Mars, which was rising when the city was founded in 969 CE
- Cairo is home to Al-Azhar, founded in 970 CE, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world
Cairo in Other Languages
Arabic
القاهرة
French
Le Caire
Hebrew
קהיר
Italian
Il Cairo
Spanish
El Cairo
Turkish
Kahire
Popularity Over Time
#4,021
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,021
- Total SSA Count
- 37
- Cultural Origins
- American British Egyptian International
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Cai
Ro
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cairo
8 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Cairo is also used as a boy name, ranked #356.
View Cairo as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cairo
What does the name Cairo mean?
"city of a thousand minarets" (from Arabic). Cairo is the English form of Al-Qāhirah (القاهرة), the Arabic name for Egypt's capital, meaning 'the victorious' or 'the conqueror.' The city was founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid general Jawhar al-Siqilli and named in honor of Mars (the planet Al-Qāhir, 'the subduer'), which was at its zenith when the city was founded. Cairo is one of the world's oldest and largest cities, with a metropolitan area of over 21 million people.
What is the origin of the name Cairo?
Cairo has Arabic, American, British, Egyptian, and International origins. In Arabic, it means "city of a thousand minarets".
Is Cairo a boy or girl name?
Cairo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4021. As a boy name, it is ranked #356. Cairo is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cairo?
Cairo is pronounced k-EYER-oh.
How popular is the name Cairo?
Cairo is currently ranked #4021 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cairo?
Common nicknames for Cairo include Cai.
What are good middle names for Cairo?
Popular middle name pairings include Cairo Rose, Cairo Jade, Cairo Grace, Cairo Simone, Cairo Renee, Cairo Elise, Cairo Nile, and Cairo Jasmine.
What are good sibling names for Cairo?
Names that pair well with Cairo as siblings include Phoenix, Atlas, Zara, Casablanca, Rio, Milan, Sahara, and Harlem.
How many syllables does Cairo have?
Cairo has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cairo a common or rare name?
Cairo is an uncommon name, ranked #4021 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Cairo
Cairo is a girl name with American, British, Egyptian, and International origins . The name means "city of a thousand minarets" in Arabic .
Is Cairo a boy or girl name? Cairo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,021 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #356. Cairo is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cairo is currently ranked #4,021 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Cairo has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EYER-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cairo include Cai and Ro. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis