The name Cairo is of Egyptian origin and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is derived from the ancient Egyptian word "Kah-Ra," which means "the sanctuary of Ra." Ra was the sun god in Egyptian mythology, revered for his life-giving powers.
Cairo itself is a city that carries this name, having been founded around 969 AD by the Fatimid dynasty. As the capital of Egypt, it has stood as a cultural and historical hub for centuries, attracting visitors from all over the world to explore its ancient sites such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
The use of Cairo as a given name is less common than as a place name, but it does appear in some cultures. In the Middle East, for instance, it may be used as a masculine given name meaning "victorious." However, when used as a given name outside of these regions, its association with the city is often more prominent.
In literature and popular culture, Cairo has been used as a setting or character name in various works. One notable example is in T.S. Eliot's poem "The Waste Land," where it is mentioned alongside other cities like London and Vienna. Additionally, it has been used as a character name in novels such as "Cairo: A History" by Max Rodenbeck.
Despite its unique history and association with one of the world's most famous cities, Cairo remains relatively uncommon as a given name. Nevertheless, its roots in ancient Egyptian culture and mythology make it an intriguing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep historical significance.
The name Cairo experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike recently. Between 1994 and 2018, the number of annual births ranged between 5 to 29, with an average of around 16 births per year. However, since 2018, there's been a substantial increase in popularity, reaching 72 births in 2019, 53 in 2020, 68 in 2021, and 56 in 2022. The most recent data from 2023 shows a dip to 47 births. In total, over the years, there have been 510 babies named Cairo.