Zo
Primarily a girl's name of Burmese origin with 304 recorded births. Also given to 94 boys.
Meaning & Origin
An indigenous people of Burma (Myanmar) and north-east India.
Zo is a boy's and girl's baby name with multiple cultural roots: as a Burmese (Mizo/Chin) ethnic identity name, as a short form of Zoroaster (from Avestan Zarathustra, meaning 'golden camel'), or as a diminutive of Zoe (from Greek zōē, 'life'). In the Zo/Chin tribal tradition of Burma and northeastern India, Zo is a people's name.
Zo is one of the most minimal names possible — just two letters — yet carries substantial cultural weight across multiple traditions. As a given name it is bold, confident, and completely distinctive.
EtymologyShow more
Zo is cataloged under the Burmese naming tradition. Names from the Burmese tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Zo has been recorded as a girl's name since 1957, with 304 total births. Browse the Burmese names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Zo climbed 3976 spots in the last 20 years — from #16088 to #12112.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 112 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 173 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 13 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 6 | — |
The Story of Zo
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2017, Zo is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Zo are most likely born between 2007 and 2024.
How rare is Zo?
Only about 1 in every 450,000 babies born in 2024 was named Zo — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1957, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 173 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Zo by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(18 years, 1957–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | #12112 |
| 2023 | 16 | #7235 |
| 2022 | 26 | #5167 |
| 2021 | 25 | #5234 |
| 2020 | 37 | #3912 |
| 2019 | 34 | #4258 |
| 2018 | 26 | #5149 |
| 2017 | 40 | #3845 |
| 2016 | 18 | #6899 |
| 2015 | 14 | #8436 |
| 2014 | 11 | #10122 |
| 2013 | 8 | #13135 |
| 2012 | 10 | #11247 |
| 2011 | 6 | #16744 |
| 2010 | 6 | #16973 |
| 2005 | 7 | #14495 |
| 2004 | 6 | #16088 |
| 1957 | 6 | #6083 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Zo as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Zo has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 94 births since 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zo a boy's or girl's name?
When was Zo most popular?
How popular is the name Zo?
Can Zo be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1957–2024