Lao

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

Names Ending in OShort NamesOne Syllable Names
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How to pronounce the name Lao
Pronunciation guide for Lao
ARPA
L AW1
IPA
laʊ

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Lao

Syllables (1)

L AW1

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

L
lee (l)
AW1
cow (aʊ)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

laʊ

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• This is a single-syllable name, pronounced in one smooth sound.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Lao

Structure

Character Count
3
Syllable Count
1
Vowel Ratio
67%
Name Family
lao

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty4/10

Moderate difficulty

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Lao
Unique character and personality of the name Lao

Name Personality

The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern

Key Characteristics

Length
Short

Concise and memorable

Rhythm
Monosyllabic

Simple and direct

Sound
Open

Vowel-rich and flowing

Ease
Moderate

May require practice

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
lao

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

l×1
a×1
o×1

Most frequent letters in Lao

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
1 syllable
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
4/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Lao compare to the average name?

Lao4/10 😐
4.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Lao is easier than average by 1.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Lao
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Lao (root: lao)

Current Name

Lao

Related Names (15)

Short variations:

Lau
Lough
Louk
Louth
Lauer
Blau

Medium variations:

Loucks
Louella
Lougheed
Lourenco
Clough
Killough

Long variations:

Barraclough
Bumbalough
Fairclough

Lao belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.

What does the name Lao mean?
The meaning and origin of Lao
Historical Reference

1. of or relating to a member of the Buddhist people inhabiting the Mekong river in Laos and Thailand

Historical Reference

noun 1. a member of a Buddhist people inhabiting the area of the Mekong River in Laos and Thailand and speaking the Lao language; related to the Thais

Historical Reference

noun 2. the Tai language of a Buddhist people living in the area of the Mekong River in Thailand and Laos

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Lao's meanings

Primary Theme

📖
Descriptive

Based on origin, place, or historical context

Theme Distribution

Natural
1
Descriptive
1

Key Themes

river
speaking
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Lao

Life Path Number

1
The Leader

Natural leaders who forge their own path with determination and courage.

Independent
Ambitious
Pioneering
Confident

Most Common Letters

l×1
a×1
o×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
2(67%)
Consonants
1(33%)

Vowel-heavy names tend to sound more open and flowing

Numerology Breakdown

l3
a1
o6

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Lao
Famous individuals named Lao

No notable people named Lao are currently in our database.

How popular is the name Lao?
Popularity rankings for Lao around the world

The name Lao has no ranking data available.

Parents who like Lao also like these names
Names similar to Lao in style, sound, and origin
LauLoughLoucksLoukLouthLauerLouellaLougheedLourencoBarracloughBlauBumbaloughCloughFaircloughKilloughNicolauPalauAadAadjeAadmAafAafkeAageAaleAalkeAalstAaltAanshAantAard
What words rhyme with the name Lao?
Rhyming words for Lao
allow
arau
aue
avow
bao
bilbao
blau
blough
bough
bow
brau
brough
brow
cao
cau
chao
chow
ciao
clough
cow

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Lao?
IPA: /laʊ/ ARPA: L AW1 This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Lao?
Lao has 1 syllable.
Is Lao easy to pronounce?
Lao is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Lao easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Lao is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
What names are similar to Lao?
Names similar to Lao include: Lau, Lough, Loucks, Louk, Louth. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Lao a good baby name?
Lao is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Lao a boy or girl name?
Lao can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Lao?
The name is spelled L-a-o. Common spelling variations include: Lau, Lough, Loucks.
What does the name Lao mean?
The name Lao has multiple meaningful interpretations. Primary meanings include "Lao adj 1: of or relating to a member of the Buddhist people inhabiting the Mekong river in Laos and Thailand n 1: a member of a Buddhist people inhabiting the area of the Mekong River in Laos and Thailand and speaking the Lao language; related to the Thais [syn: {Lao}, {Laotian}] 2: the Tai language of a Buddhist people living in the area of the Mekong River in Thailand and Laos" and "lao their". This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Lao?
Middle names that pair well with Lao include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Lao?
Sibling names that pair well with Lao include: Lau, Lough, Loucks, Louk. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Lao?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Lao correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Lao from?
Lao has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Lao suitable for a professional career?
Lao works well professionally - it's internationally friendly for global careers. While name perception exists, professional success depends primarily on skills, work ethic, and personal qualities rather than name choice.
Is Lao a long or short name?
Lao is a very short name with 3 letters (1 syllable). Short names are easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. They work well for children who are learning to write their names.
What are common misspellings of Lao?
Common spelling variations of Lao include: Lau, Blau, Aad. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Lao and Lau?
Lao and Lau are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Lao is spelled Lao while Lau is spelled Lau. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.