Sho

♂ Boy

Pronounced SHOH /ˈʃoʊ/Medium

Meaning: From the Japanese Sho — variously written 'to fly/soar', 'prosperous/flourishing', and 'auspicious/clear', depending on the kanji; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: To soar; prosperous; auspicious: Sho is Japanese. Crisp, modern, and warm (said 'SHOH').

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Origin LowJapanese

MeaningFrom the Japanese Sho — variously written 'to fly/soar', 'prosperous/flourishing', and 'auspicious/clear', depending on the kanji; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#9582 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1990

Total births (all-time)≈ 460

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

Sho comes from the Japanese Sho — variously written 'to fly/soar', 'prosperous/flourishing', and 'auspicious/clear', depending on the kanji (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name (said 'SHOH').

In the U.S. it appears in Japanese families. Rare, to-soar-and-prosperous at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Sho is variously written 'to fly/soar', 'prosperous', and 'auspicious/clear' in Japanese, depending on the kanji — a crisp, modern name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'SHOH').

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Sho — routes layered

Variations

ShouShowShoh

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Sho…

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Explore names like Sho

By themeuncertain japanese

By meaningWealth Blessed / Happy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sho mean?

Sho is Japanese, variously 'to fly/soar', 'prosperous', and 'auspicious' (depending on the kanji); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Sho?

It's said SHOH /ˈʃoʊ/ — one syllable.

Is Sho a boy or girl name?

Sho is a boy's name.

How popular is Sho?

Sho is a very rare name in the U.S.