Poh – Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity & Variations
Table of Contents
- Meaning of the Name Poh
- Tattoo Design Ideas Featuring the Name Poh
- How to Pronounce Poh in Chinese
- Cultural and Historical Origin of Poh
- Gender Usage of Poh
- Popularity of the Name Poh
- Global Usage and Pronunciation of Poh
- Global Distribution and Gender Ratio of the Name Poh
- Personality Traits Associated with Poh
- Careers and Vocations for the Name Poh
- Unique and Interesting Facts About Poh
- Famous People Named Poh
- Similar Names Related with the Name Poh
Meaning of the Name Poh
The name Poh carries gentle yet distinctive associations. In various contexts it is linked with ideas of peace, grace, and quiet strength, giving it a calm and elegant aura. Because it is short and melodious, Poh often feels refined, minimalistic, and modern, while still hinting at traditional cultural depth and honor.
Find more names related to the name Poh.
Tattoo Design Ideas Featuring the Name Poh
Watercolor Tattoo Design for Poh
An ethereal watercolor tattoo concept where the name Poh appears as graceful, brush-painted lettering dissolving into colorful washes and splashes.
Surrealist Tattoo Concept for Poh
A surreal tattoo design that weaves the name Poh into impossible structures and abstract forms, creating an imaginative, dreamlike composition.
How to Pronounce Poh in Chinese
/poʊ/ - 珀 / 宝 / 保 (varies by intended meaning and dialect)
- /p/: unaspirated "p" sound, like in “spin.”
- /oʊ/: long "oh" vowel, as in “go.”
poh (rhymes with “go” or “snow”)
Cultural and Historical Origin of Poh
The name Poh is most commonly associated with Chinese heritage, where it appears in different dialects and transliteration systems, often connected to family or generational names. In overseas Chinese communities across Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia, Poh can be seen as both a given name element and a surname. Today, Poh reflects migration history and evolving identity within the global Chinese diaspora.
Gender Usage of Poh
As a given name element, Poh is generally considered gender-neutral, appearing in names for all genders in various Chinese dialect traditions. In some regions it is more common among men, while in others it occurs in women’s or unisex compound names. Globally, parents may choose Poh as a distinctive, short middle or first name that transcends rigid gender boundaries and works well across languages.
Popularity of the Name Poh
While not a top-ranking given name in Western baby-name charts, Poh appears steadily within Chinese and Southeast Asian communities, especially in Malaysia and Singapore, often as part of compound names. As a surname it is more visible in immigration and census records. Online, searches for Poh increasingly reflect interest in heritage names, cultural identity, and simple, minimalist choices for modern children.
Global Usage and Pronunciation of Poh
Globally, the name Poh is found among Chinese families in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, China, and diaspora communities in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Pronunciation typically follows a single-syllable sound similar to “poh,” though tones and exact vowels vary by dialect. Its compact form makes it easy to recognize and adapt across cultures.
| Global Distribution and Gender Ratio of the Name Poh | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Usage % | Female % | Male % |
| Malaysia | 62.55% | 53.78% | 46.22% |
| Singapore | 24.18% | 43.61% | 56.39% |
| Thailand | 3.45% | 36.84% | 63.16% |
| United States | 2.18% | 50% | 50% |
| Türkiye | 1.82% | 10% | 90% |
Personality Traits Associated with Poh
- Calm : Tends to project a peaceful and composed presence.
- Thoughtful : Often reflective, considering ideas and people with care.
- Graceful : Carries themselves with quiet elegance in speech and action.
- Reliable : Seen as dependable and steady in relationships and work.
- Insightful : Possesses a subtle depth of understanding about others.
Careers and Vocations for the Name Poh
- Researcher: Drawn to detailed investigation and careful analysis.
- Designer: Expresses a refined sense of balance, form, and simplicity.
- Educator: Shares knowledge with patience and clarity.
- Diplomat: Navigates cultural spaces with tact and composure.
- Entrepreneur: Builds focused, niche projects with long-term vision.
Unique and Interesting Facts About Poh
- Multifunctional Name Element: Used as both a surname and a given-name component in Chinese communities.
- Short Yet Distinctive: Its brevity makes it memorable and visually striking in writing and design.
- Cross-Cultural Presence: Appears in records across Southeast Asia and Western countries due to migration.
- Flexible Spelling: Sometimes rendered with variant Romanizations depending on dialect and system.
Famous People Named Poh
- Poh Ling Yeow: Malaysian-born Australian artist, television presenter, and cook.
- Poh Soo Kai: Singaporean doctor and political activist, noted for his historical role in the country’s politics.
- Chin Poh: Various figures in business and public life carrying this surname across Southeast Asia.
Similar Names Related with the Name Poh
- Bo: Short, punchy name associated with ideas of strength and sometimes wave or precious depending on origin.
- Po: Minimalist variant seen in East Asian contexts, with meanings ranging from precious to universal depending on characters used.
- Bao: Chinese name often linked with treasure or protection, conveying cherished value.
- Pei: Chinese given name element associated with cultivation, admiration, or orchid in some spellings.
- Ping: Name frequently connected with peace and stability in Chinese usage.
- Peng: Chinese name with meanings that may relate to legendary birds or greatness, depending on the character.
- Poi: Short Polynesian-rooted name, often linked with nourishment and tradition through the staple food.
- Pol: European variant of Paul, associated with humility or small in Latin origin.
- Poe: Surname turned given name, evoking mystery and imagination thanks to literary associations.
- Pan: Name or surname appearing in Chinese and Greek contexts, with meanings including universality or references to the rustic nature god.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Name Poh
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What does the name Poh mean?
Poh is a short, elegant name associated with ideas of peace, grace, and quiet strength, though its precise meaning depends on the Chinese characters chosen.
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What is the origin of the name Poh?
The name Poh is primarily of Chinese origin and appears widely in Southeast Asian Chinese communities, especially in Malaysia and Singapore, as both a surname and a given-name element.
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Is Poh a male or female name?
Poh is generally considered gender-neutral. It can appear in male, female, and unisex compound names, making it flexible for any gender identity.
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How do you pronounce Poh?
In English, Poh is usually pronounced as 'poh,' rhyming with 'go' or 'snow.' In Chinese dialects, tones and exact vowels can vary based on the specific character used.
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How popular is the name Poh?
Poh is not highly ranked in Western baby-name charts but remains visible in Chinese and Southeast Asian communities, particularly as part of compound given names and as a surname.