Thato
Meaningwill · Sotho
Thato is an African gender-neutral name meaning “will”, 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 soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
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 Thato
Thato is a gender-neutral name of African origin meaning “will”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It's a rare choice in the US, so your child is unlikely to meet another Thato 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
- Girl name: Layla · night
- Unisex name: Zuri · beautiful
- Girl name: Aisha · alive
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Girl name: Zahra · radiant, bright
Questions about the name Thato
What does the name Thato mean?
Thato means “will” and comes from Sotho. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Joseph (“he will add”), Isaac (“he will laugh”), Josephine (“he will add”) and Josie (“he will add”).
What is the origin of the name Thato?
Thato 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 Thato a boy or girl name?
Both. Thato 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 Thato?
If you like Thato, you might also like Joseph, Isaac, Josephine and Josie.
What should I know before naming my baby Thato?
Thato is an African gender-neutral name meaning “will”, 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 soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. 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.