Keo

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAY-oh /ˈkeɪ.oʊ/Medium

Meaning: Variously the Lao/Thai keo, 'a gem; glass; crystal', and a Hawaiian short form of Keoni (John, 'God is gracious'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A gem; glass; crystal: Keo is Lao 'a gem' / a Hawaiian Keoni. Crisp, cultural, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'KAY-oh').

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Origin LowLao, Hawaiian

MeaningVariously the Lao/Thai keo, 'a gem; glass; crystal', and a Hawaiian short form of Keoni (John, 'God is gracious'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#6005 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births15 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 290

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Keo comes variously from the Lao/Thai keo, 'a gem; glass; crystal', and a Hawaiian short form of Keoni, the Hawaiian John, 'God is gracious' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, cultural name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished).

In the U.S. it appears in Lao and Hawaiian families. Rare, a-gem-or-God-is-gracious at the root, and cultural.

Did you know? Keo means 'a gem; glass; crystal' in Lao and Thai — and is also a Hawaiian short form of Keoni (John, 'God is gracious') — a crisp, cultural name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered; said 'KAY-oh').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Keo — routes layered

Variations

KeoniKaeoKeoh

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Keo…

Keoni— a name it shortens

Kai— a sound-neighbor short Pacific boys' name

Leo— a fellow short boys' name

Theo— another short -eo boys' name

Explore names like Keo

By themeuncertain unisex hawaiian

By meaningGod / Divine Grace Jewel / Gem

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Keo mean?

Keo is variously Lao/Thai 'a gem; glass; crystal' and a Hawaiian short form of Keoni ('God is gracious'); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Keo?

It's said KAY-oh /ˈkeɪ.oʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Keo a boy or girl name?

Keo is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Keo?

Keo is a rare name in the U.S.