At a Glance: Name: Yao – Meaning: primarily a Chinese surname; also the name of an ethnic group in China – Origin: Mandarin (Chinese surname) – Pronunciation: YOW
Yao is a Mandarin (Chinese surname) name used mostly for boys meaning “primarily a Chinese surname; also the name of an ethnic group in China”. It appears in our list of Chinese Baby Names With Beautiful Characters.
Meaning & Origin of Yao
Meaning: Primarily a Chinese surname; also the name of an ethnic group in China.
Origin: Mandarin (Chinese surname).
A common claim: Precious jade, fine gemstone Actually: Yao is documented as a Chinese surname and ethnic-group name, not as a word meaning 'jade' or 'gemstone' -- that sense likely belongs to a different character with the same spelling.
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Yao
Phonetic: YOW IPA: /jaʊ/
Popularity of Yao
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1984–2023.
Lists That Include Yao
Similar Names
Ling · Qing · Fang · Wen · Hong · Yi
