Neo
Neo is a boy name of Greek origin meaning “New”, pronounced NEE-oh. It ranked #1066 in the United States in 2025, given to 204 babies, and peaked at #949 in 2022. Common nicknames: Nee.
How popular is Neo in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Neo mean, and where does it come from?
Neo is the Greek neos, "new," the prefix in front of half the words in English that describe something recent. It is separately a Tswana and Sotho name meaning gift, common in South Africa and Botswana for girls and boys alike. Its English-language use dates almost entirely from The Matrix in 1999 — American records show a jump immediately afterwards — and it entered the top thousand in 2021. Three letters, one clean syllable, and a meaning that fits a newborn better than most.
How is Neo used around the world?
Neo is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Neo?
Famous People Named Neo
- Neo Rauch — German painter of the New Leipzig School
- Ne-Yo — American singer and songwriter, in the hyphenated form
Similar Names to Neo
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Sibling Name Ideas for Neo
Looking for names that pair well with Neo? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Neo mean?
Neo is a boy name of Greek origin meaning "New." Neo is the Greek neos, "new," the prefix in front of half the words in English that describe something recent. It is separately a Tswana and Sotho name meaning gift, common in South Africa and Botswana for girls and boys alike.
How do you pronounce Neo?
Neo is pronounced NEE-oh. Common variations include Neyo, Nio.
Is Neo a boy name?
Yes, Neo is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Nee.