Origin & Meaning of the Chao Surname
What does the last name Chao mean?
The surname Chao 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 10,398 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Chao ranks as the #3,432 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Chao come from?
The Chao 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 Chao name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Chao 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 | Chao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,432 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,398 |
| Per 100K People | 3.52 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Chao
According to the US Census, the Chao surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,398 Americans with the Chao last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.67% |
| Black | 0.18% |
| Hispanic | 6.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 86.7% |
| Native American | 0.05% |
| Two or More Races | 2.96% |
Popularity of Chao Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Chao surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Chao surname increased by 1,765 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chao
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