Yao is a unisex given name of Chinese origin, meaning "aloe" or "good health". It is particularly popular among Han Chinese families and has been used for both males and females throughout history. The name Yao gained international recognition in the 20th century due to its association with notable individuals such as Yao Ming, a retired professional basketball player who was the first international player drafted into the NBA, and Yao Chen, a Chinese actress known for her roles in various television dramas and films.
The name Yao experiences periods of popularity with peaks in the late '80s and mid-2000s, but has generally seen a steady decline since the late '90s.