Pao is a unique and distinctive given name of Chinese origin. It has several possible meanings depending on the characters used to write it in Mandarin.
One interpretation of Pao is "precious jade," with the character "pao" (寶) meaning precious or valuable, and "yu" (玉) referring to jade. Jade is highly prized in Chinese culture for its beauty and toughness, making this combination a desirable one.
Another possible meaning for Pao is "high mountain," with the character "pao" (跑) signifying running or fleeing, suggesting an upward movement towards heights. This interpretation may reflect a wish for the person to rise above obstacles or adversity.
Pao also appears in some Chinese surnames, most notably as a variant of the more common "Bao." In this case, Pao does not have a separate meaning but rather is a phonetic equivalent of Bao.
Historically, Pao has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout Chinese history. Notable figures with the surname Pao include Pao Yu-kung (包玉冲), an influential scholar and educator in Taiwan during the early 20th century.
Today, Pao remains a relatively uncommon but striking choice for a given name, particularly among individuals of Chinese descent or those drawn to unique and meaningful names. Its meanings related to preciousness and elevation make it an appealing option for parents seeking a distinctive moniker with positive connotations.
The name Pao has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. From 1979 to 1999, there were a total of 301 babies named Pao born in the US.
The name's peak popularity was in 1983 and 1989 with both years seeing 25 births each. However, it seems that this popularity did not last long as the following years saw a decline in the number of newborns given the name Pao. In fact, from 1994 to 1999, the number of babies named Pao born annually was less than 10.
This data demonstrates that while Pao has had periods of popularity, it is not one of the most common names in the US over this time period.