One is a local folklore which involved Bai Sa Raya, a Moro princess from a monarchy in Cotabato who coincidentally visited the area which is now known as "Wao" during a serious drought.

This led to the place being called Wao from the word kawaw or uhaw in the local language, which roughly translates to "I am thirsty".

[5] The LASEDECO resettlement program of then-President Ramon Magsaysay made possible the foundation of Wao as a municipality in Lanao del Sur province on February 22, 1961.

[7][non-primary source needed] In the late 1970s, the town experienced intercommunal violence between its native Moro community and the Christian settlers.

[8][9] Tensions arose after Bumbaran (now known as Amai Manabilang) was created from Wao by President Ferdinand Marcos through Presidential Decree No.

Wao is the only predominantly Christian municipality in Lanao del Sur, with 80% of the population adhering to Roman Catholicism as of 2017, brought by settlers who came from Luzon, Visayas and other parts of Mindanao.