Mao Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MOW /maʊ/
Origin: Chinese; Japanese
Meaning: Chinese: cat; Japanese: true, genuine
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Mao has its roots in the Chinese language, where it is written as 毛. The literal meaning of Mao can vary depending on the characters used, but it is often associated with meanings such as 'fur' or 'hair.' The name has been used historically in various contexts within Chinese culture, and its etymology can be traced back to ancient Chinese texts, where names often carried significant meanings related to nature or personal attributes.
The phonetic representation of Mao in Mandarin is /māo/, which has been consistent through the centuries, reflecting the stability of the language's phonetics. Historically, the name Mao is most notably associated with Mao Zedong, a prominent figure in 20th-century Chinese history who played a crucial role in the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
His influence on Chinese society and politics has made the name Mao widely recognized, though it is important to note that the name itself predates him by centuries. The use of Mao as a given name can be traced back to various dynasties in China, where it was not uncommon for names to reflect familial lineage or virtues.
Culturally, the name Mao carries connotations of strength and resilience, often associated with the natural world. In traditional Chinese culture, names are chosen with care, often reflecting hopes for the child's future or familial aspirations.
The name Mao can also be linked to various historical figures and literary references, which have contributed to its resonance within Chinese culture. While diminutive forms of the name are less common, variations and combinations with other characters are often used to create unique names that maintain the essence of the original meaning.
Famous people named Mao
Mao Zedong was a revolutionary and political leader best known for founding the People's Republic of China, leading the Chinese Communist Party, and initiating the Cultural Revolution.
Fictional characters named Mao
Mao is a fictional character from the video game series Persona. They are a significant character in the story, often providing guidance and support to the protagonist.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Mao was first seen in the United States in 1980.
Mao has ranked as high as #1099 nationally, which occurred in 1983, and has been most popular in California, and Minnesota.
In the past 5 years the name Mao has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Mao (2011)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 9 |
| 1981 | 12 |
| 1982 | 10 |
| 1983 | 17 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 14 |
| 1986 | 16 |
| 1987 | 10 |
| 1988 | 11 |
| 1989 | 12 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 16 |
| 1992 | 17 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1995 | 13 |
| 1996 | 14 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 7 |
| 2007 | 9 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2016 | 5 |