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Home › Baby Names Directory › Waco

Waco

♂ Boy

Pronounced WAY-koh /ˈweɪ.koʊ/High

Meaning: A place-name from Waco, Texas, which takes its name from the Waco (Hueco) people, a Wichita-affiliated tribe who lived on the site. Families should know the city is also widely associated with the deadly 1993 siege at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco; we state that plainly so the choice is made with open eyes.Low

In 30 seconds: A Texas place-name: Waco takes its name from the Waco people, a Wichita-affiliated tribe (said 'WAY-koh'). The 1993 siege near the city is strongly associated with the name, which we note.
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Origin MediumAmerican
MeaningA place-name from Waco, Texas, which takes its name from the Waco (Hueco) people, a Wichita-affiliated tribe who lived on the site. Families should know the city is also widely associated with the deadly 1993 siege at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco; we state that plainly so the choice is made with open eyes.
U.S. rank (2024)#14097 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1974
Total births (all-time)≈ 171

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197719132024

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

Waco is a city on the Brazos River in Texas, named for the Waco (Hueco) people, a tribe affiliated with the Wichita, who had a village at the site. As a given name it sits alongside other Texas place-names such as Austin, Dallas and Houston. It is also the case that for many Americans the word calls to mind the 1993 siege of the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, in which many people died — we note that association neutrally rather than hide it, so that families choose knowingly (said 'WAY-koh').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records. Rare, place-name, and Texan.

Did you know? Waco, Texas, is named for the Waco (Hueco) people, a Wichita-affiliated tribe who lived where the city now stands. Many Americans also associate the name with the deadly 1993 siege near the city, which we note plainly so families can choose with open eyes.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Waco — Waco, Texas; named for the Waco (Hueco) people; 1993 siege association noted

Variations

WackoWacoHueco

Nicknames

WaceCo

Famous Bearers

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If you like Waco…

Austin— a like Texas place-name in wide use
Dallas— another Texas city name
Houston— a like Texan surname-place pick
Denton— a like Texas town name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Waco mean?

Waco is a Texas place-name, from the Waco (Hueco) people, a Wichita-affiliated tribe. The city is also widely associated with the deadly 1993 siege nearby, which we note plainly.

How do you pronounce Waco?

It's said WAY-koh /ˈweɪ.koʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Waco a boy or girl name?

Waco is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Waco?

Waco is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.

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