Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Cairo
BoyArabic, English· “the victorious”
- Meaning
- the victorious
- Origin
- Arabic, English
- Pronunciation
- KY-roh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #341
- US babies 2025
- 965
- Best rank
- #306 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Cairo
Cairo is an Arabic and English name that is usually said to mean “the victorious”.
Cairo is the name of the capital of Egypt, the largest city in the Arab world, which lies on the Nile close to the ancient pyramids of Giza. The English name comes from the Arabic al-Qahira, usually translated "the victorious" or "the vanquisher". The city was founded in the tenth century by the Fatimid dynasty. As a given name Cairo is a modern choice that suggests history, adventure and a sense of place, fitting with other city names such as Milan and Paris. It sounds warm and energetic, with a lively ending.
Popularity over time
Cairo first appears in US Social Security records in 1979. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 11 different years, starting in 2015. Its best national rank was #306 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,101 babies. In 2025, 965 babies were named Cairo, and it ranked #341 nationally. That is 333% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #6,379 in 1980, #3,315 in 2000, #2,640 in 2010, and #341 in 2025. Of the 9,415 US boys named Cairo since records began, 63% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,987 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Onyx, Ali, Odin, Niko, and Kylian.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cairo ranked highest in District of Columbia, Delaware, and Rhode Island.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #84 | 10 |
| Delaware | #129 | 8 |
| Rhode Island | #183 | 6 |
| Georgia | #185 | 66 |
| Maryland | #191 | 32 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 95% of US babies named Cairo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Cairo is usually pronounced KY-roh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-ro”.
Middle names for Cairo
A few middle names that flow with Cairo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cairo
Similar names
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Kyro Boy
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Lists that include Cairo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cairo mean?
Cairo is an Arabic and English name that is usually said to mean “the victorious”.
What is the origin of the name Cairo?
Cairo has Arabic and English roots. Cairo is the name of the capital of Egypt, the largest city in the Arab world, which lies on the Nile close to the ancient pyramids of Giza.
Is Cairo a popular name?
Yes. Cairo ranked #341 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Cairo a boy or girl name?
Cairo is mainly a boy's name. About 95% of US babies named Cairo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Cairo?
Cairo is usually pronounced KY-roh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings