At a glance
- In short
- Xiao is a unique and meaningful Chinese name for baby girls, with variations like Xia.
- U.S. rank 2025
- Not in the 2025 data · last seen 2006 (#13,606)
- Babies in 2006
- 7 (<0.01% of girls)
- Peak
- #8,719 in 1993
- First recorded
- 1984
Meaning of Xiao
The name Xiao is a female name with origins in China. In Chinese Mandarin, it is pronounced as "shyow" (/ʃjɑʊ/), while in Chinese Cantonese, it is pronounced as "syaau" (/sjɐu/). The name Xiao has variations, with Xia being one of them. In the United States of America, the name Xiao has been given to baby girls over the years. It ranked 13,600th in 2006, 16,460th in 2005, and so on. The popularity of the name may have fluctuated over time, but its uniqueness and cultural significance make it a special choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
How to pronounce Xiao
Chinese Mandarin
- Pronounced shyow /ʃjɑʊ/
Chinese Cantonese
- Pronounced syaau /sjɐu/
Popularity of Xiao in the U.S.
Xiao was last recorded in the U.S. in 2006, ranked #13,606 with 7 babies. It peaked at #8,719 in 1993. It first appears in the records in 1984.
- Rank among U.S. girl names (right scale, #1 at the top)
Year-by-year table, 1984–2006 10 rows
| Year | Babies | Rank | vs previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 7 | 13,606 | ▲ 2,856 |
| 2005 | 5 | 16,462 | back (not recorded in 2002–2004) |
| 2001 | 5 | 15,352 | ▼ 4,607 |
| 2000 | 8 | 10,745 | ▲ 3,666 |
| 1999 | 5 | 14,411 | back (not recorded in 1998) |
| 1997 | 8 | 9,802 | ▲ 3,716 |
| 1996 | 5 | 13,518 | ▼ 3,965 |
| 1995 | 8 | 9,553 | back (not recorded in 1994) |
| 1993 | 9 | 8,719 | back (not recorded in 1985–1992) |
| 1984 | 5 | 10,422 | new |
Notable people named Xiao
- Xiao Zhan is a Chinese actor and singer best known for his breakout role in The Untamed.
- Xiao Qian, also known as Ruoping, was a renowned Chinese essayist, editor, journalist and translator.
- Xiao Meili is a Chinese women's rights activist known for creative campaigns promoting gender equality.
- Xiao Guanyin was a Chinese empress of the Liao dynasty who was falsely accused of adultery and forced to take her own life.
- Xiao Yan is a Chinese actress.
- Xiao Yu, born Sung Nien-yu, is a Taiwanese singer, songwriter, and record producer.