Cairo is a unique and exotic name of Egyptian origin. It means "victorious" or "conqueror," which is fitting considering the city of Cairo's history as a cultural and political center for centuries. The name Cairo has been used by both boys and girls, although it is more commonly associated with males in modern times.
The city of Cairo was founded in 969 AD by the Fatimid caliph Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, who named it al-Qahirah, meaning "the victorious" or "the conqueror." Over time, this name became corrupted to Cairo when translated into English. While the name Cairo is most commonly associated with the Egyptian city, there are other places around the world that share the same name, such as Cairo, Illinois in the United States.
The use of Cairo as a given name is relatively rare compared to other names of Egyptian origin like Cleopatra or Tutankhamun. However, it has been used throughout history by notable figures. For example, there was a fourth-century Christian saint named Saint Cairo who was martyred for his faith. Additionally, Cairo is also the name of several historical figures from various cultures and time periods.
In literature, Cairo has been used as a character name in works such as Naguib Mahfouz's "Cairo Trilogy" and Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist." These appearances have helped to popularize the name among readers who may not be familiar with its historical significance.
Overall, Cairo is an unusual and captivating name that embodies strength, victory, and cultural richness. Its origins in ancient Egypt make it a fascinating choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
These statistics demonstrate a significant increase in the number of births named Cairo over time, with a notable spike starting around the late 1990s to early 2000s. The name's popularity appears to have peaked in recent years, reaching an all-time high of 1099 births in 2022 and 1003 births in 2023.