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Kairo

♂ Boy

Pronounced KY-roh /ˈkaɪ.roʊ/High

Meaning: Victorious; variant of Cairo, from Arabic al-Qāhira (the victorious/overpowering)Medium

In 30 seconds: A modern spelling of Cairo, meaning 'the victorious' in Arabic — the name of Egypt's capital city. Its strong, exotic sound has made it a rising choice for boys with a bold global flair.
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Origin MediumArabic
MeaningVictorious; variant of Cairo, from Arabic al-Qāhira (the victorious/overpowering)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,023

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719952017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kairo is a phonetic respelling of Cairo, the English name for Egypt's capital city. In Arabic the city is called al-Qāhira, meaning 'the victorious' or 'the conqueror,' from the root qahara ('to overcome, to be victorious'). As a given name, the Kairo/Cairo spelling began appearing in American birth records in the 2000s.

Kairo has been climbing the U.S. boys' charts in the 2010s and 2020s as part of the broader trend for global city names and strong K-initial names. Its associations with Egypt and antiquity give it an exotic, powerful feel. It entered the top 500 boys' names in the 2010s.

Did you know? Cairo (al-Qāhira) was founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz and named 'the victorious' (al-Qāhira) to celebrate the planet Mars, which was rising at the time of the city's founding.

Variations

CairoKyroKyros

Nicknames

Kai

Famous Bearers

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If you like Kairo…

Kai— short, powerful Hawaiian/Japanese name with the same punchy energy
Zion— biblical city name equally used as a powerful boys' first name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kairo mean?

Kairo is a variant spelling of Cairo, from Arabic al-Qāhira meaning 'the victorious' — the name of Egypt's capital city.

How do you pronounce Kairo?

Kairo is pronounced KY-roh (/ˈkaɪ.roʊ/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Kairo a boy or girl name?

Kairo is used predominantly as a boy's name.

How popular is Kairo?

Kairo entered the U.S. top 500 boys' names in the 2010s and has been rising since.