Hao
Primarily a boy's name of Chinese origin with 442 recorded births. Also given to 5 girls.
Meaning & Origin
An atoll in Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia.
Hao is a boy's and girl's baby name of Chinese origin, meaning 'good,' 'fine,' or 'excellent' — one of the most positive single-character names in the Chinese naming tradition. It is used across Mandarin-speaking communities as both a given name and surname.
Hao's simplicity is its strength — a single syllable that carries an entirely positive meaning. In Chinese culture, names with auspicious meanings are highly valued, and Hao's association with goodness and excellence makes it a name of genuine optimism.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Hao belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At one syllable, it has a punchy, memorable cadence that makes an immediate impression.
Within the Chinese naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Chinese names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Hao’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Hao has 41+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1976.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 11 | #11942 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 84 | #7896 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 129 | #6772 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 122 | #5107 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 91 | #4878 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 5 | #5937 | — |
The Story of Hao
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1992, Hao is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Hao are most likely born between 1982 and 2002.
How rare is Hao?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Hao is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1976, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2000s with 129 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Hao by the numbers
- Would fill 9 school buses
- Meeting one Hao per day would take 1.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(41 years, 1976–2021)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | #12796 |
| 2020 | 6 | #11087 |
| 2017 | 12 | #6840 |
| 2016 | 8 | #9149 |
| 2015 | 12 | #6816 |
| 2014 | 7 | #10015 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10036 |
| 2012 | 13 | #6438 |
| 2011 | 16 | #5509 |
| 2010 | 9 | #8366 |
| 2009 | 7 | #10233 |
| 2008 | 17 | #5326 |
| 2007 | 12 | #6794 |
| 2006 | 18 | #4935 |
| 2005 | 8 | #8568 |
| 2004 | 18 | #4662 |
| 2003 | 10 | #6904 |
| 2002 | 19 | #4232 |
| 2001 | 5 | #11186 |
| 2000 | 15 | #4880 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Hao as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Hao has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 1996.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hao a boy's or girl's name?
When was Hao most popular?
How popular is the name Hao?
Can Hao be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1976–2021