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Mpho

Gender-neutral name · African

Meaninggift · Sotho

Mpho is an African gender-neutral name meaning “gift”, with Sotho roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds short and punchy, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a longer middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.

Smiling baby in a grey romper on a fluffy rug
hello, little Mpho

Fewer than 5 US babies a year get this name, so SSA doesn't list it. That makes it truly rare.

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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).

About the name Mpho

Mpho is a gender-neutral name of African origin meaning “gift”. Short and strong, it's said in a single beat and ends on an open, friendly vowel, so it pairs easily with a longer middle name. It's a rare choice in the US, so your child is unlikely to meet another Mpho at school. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.

Origin:African names

More African names

Questions about the name Mpho

What does the name Mpho mean?

Mpho means “gift” and comes from Sotho. Names built around “gift” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Theodore (“gift of God”), Mateo (“gift of God”), Matthew (“gift of God”) and Theo (“gift of God”).

What is the origin of the name Mpho?

Mpho is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sotho. Other African names to consider are Layla (“night”), Zuri (“beautiful”), Aisha (“alive”) and Cairo (“the victorious”).

Is Mpho a boy or girl name?

Both. Mpho is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.

What names are similar to Mpho?

If you like Mpho, you might also like Theodore, Mateo, Matthew and Theo.

What should I know before naming my baby Mpho?

Mpho is an African gender-neutral name meaning “gift”, with Sotho roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds short and punchy, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a longer middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.