Pong
A boy's name of Thai origin with 21 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Pong sits in the vintage zone of American naming: first recorded in 1983, peaking in 1995, with 21 total births across its history.
The sharp, distinct quality of its ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close — keeps the name compact and easy to pair with longer middle names or surnames.
Pong is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Pong is a boy's baby name of Thai origin, a common given name in Thailand. In Thai, pong can mean 'fat' or 'chubby' — a term of endearment in Thai culture, where a round, healthy baby is considered a sign of good fortune and prosperity. Thai nicknames are often affectionate and physical in this way.
In Thailand, it is common practice to have both a formal name and a much shorter nickname (chue len) used in daily life. Pong functions as this kind of endearing everyday name — simple, easy to call across a room, and deeply embedded in Thai naming culture.
EtymologyShow more
Pong appeared in SSA records in 1983, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly began breaking from generational naming patterns, experimenting with spelling, and treating naming as a form of creative self-expression. Its Thai roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 21 recorded births, Pong has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Pong has 4+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1983.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 16 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 5 | — |
The Story of Pong
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1995, Pong is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Pong are most likely born between 1985 and 1995.
How rare is Pong?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Pong is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1983, peaked in the 1990s with 16 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(4 years, 1983–1995)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 6 | #8601 |
| 1993 | 5 | #9788 |
| 1991 | 5 | #9243 |
| 1983 | 5 | #7030 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pong a boy's or girl's name?
When was Pong most popular?
How popular is the name Pong?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1983–1995