"Rice; brightness"
Origin: Thai
Language: th
Kao
Pronunciation: [ k-OW ]
Does Kao flow with your last name?
A distinctive 1-syllable boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Thai
Laotian
Southeast Asian
Simple
Cultural
Strong
Minimal
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Historical Record
Kao first appeared in US Social Security records in 1980.
Over 467 babies have been named Kao in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kao is past its peak , currently ranked #26,042 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
#26,042
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Peaked 1981
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #26,042
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- Thai Laotian Southeast Asian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kao
3 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kao is also used as a girl name, ranked #33583.
View Kao as a girl name →Similar Names
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Compare Kao with...
Same Origin Names (Thai)
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Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kao
What does the name Kao mean?
"Rice; brightness" (from Thai)
What is the origin of the name Kao?
Kao has Thai, Laotian, and Southeast Asian origins. In Thai, it means "Rice; brightness".
Is Kao a boy or girl name?
Kao is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #26042. As a girl name, it is ranked #33583. Kao is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kao?
Kao is pronounced k-OW.
How popular is the name Kao?
Kao is currently ranked #26042 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kao?
Popular middle name pairings include Kao James, Kao Thai, and Kao Lee.
What are good sibling names for Kao?
Names that pair well with Kao as siblings include Bao, Lin, and Mei.
How many syllables does Kao have?
Kao has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kao a common or rare name?
Kao is an uncommon name, ranked #26042 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kao
Kao is a boy name with Thai, Laotian, and Southeast Asian origins . The name means "Rice; brightness" in Thai .
Is Kao a boy or girl name? Kao is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #26,042 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #33,583. Kao is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kao is currently ranked #26,042 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kao has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-OW, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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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