Origin & Meaning of the Cao Surname
What does the last name Cao mean?
The surname Cao carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,138 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cao ranks as the #1,989 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cao come from?
The Cao surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cao name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cao trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,989 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,138 |
| Per 100K People | 6.15 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cao
According to the US Census, the Cao surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,138 Americans with the Cao last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.38% |
| Hispanic | 2.12% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 95.22% |
| Two or More Races | 1.05% |
Popularity of Cao Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cao surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cao surname increased by 7,032 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Cao
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cao.
Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Cao.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cao
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