Nao is a unisex given name of Japanese origin, derived from two distinct sources. Firstly, it can be an abbreviated form of longer names like Naomi or Noriko. Secondly, it can also stand alone as a name meaning 'honest' or 'straightforward'. Nao is typically pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, /naɔ/. This name gained international popularity due to its simplicity and phonetic ease across languages.
"The name Nao experienced a gap of 15 years between appearances, with only five births each in 2001 and 2003. After a significant drop-off, it resurged in popularity with six births in 2018 and seven in 2023, totalling twenty-three births overall."