Phoua is of Laotian origin, meaning 'rain' in the Laotian language. It is a unisex name, used for both males and females. Phoua was popularized internationally due to its usage in the novel "The Boat Rocker" by Ha Jin, who himself is of Laotian descent. The name Phoua has a unique sound and carries cultural significance, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Phoua experienced fluctuating popularity between 1980 and 1997, with birth counts ranging from 5 to 17 per year. The peak occurred in 1990 with 17 births. Over these 18 years, there were a total of 99 babies named Phoua.