An uncommon Japanese pick — distinctive and rare.
A female or male given name from Japanese.
Nao is a girl's and boy's baby name of Japanese origin, typically written with kanji meaning 'honest, frank' or 'straight, correct' — from the character nao that evokes directness of character and moral integrity. It may also be written with characters for "color" or "garden."
Short and precise, Nao embodies the Japanese aesthetic of minimal beauty — a single syllable that carries a complete and admirable quality of character.
Nao has 15+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1980.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 10 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 30 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 29 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 21 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | #16942 |
| 2018 | 5 | #17422 |
| 2010 | 5 | #19011 |
| 2008 | 6 | #16864 |
| 2007 | 10 | #11395 |
| 2003 | 8 | #12060 |
| 2000 | 6 | #14465 |
| 1998 | 11 | #8405 |
| 1997 | 7 | #11705 |
| 1995 | 5 | #15029 |
| 1993 | 6 | #12917 |
| 1989 | 6 | #11848 |
| 1987 | 5 | #12602 |
| 1984 | 5 | #11587 |
| 1980 | 5 | #11571 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Though more common for girls, Nao has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 23 births since 2001.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1980–2021) · Methodology