Origin & Meaning of the Gao Surname
What does the last name Gao mean?
The surname Gao 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 12,172 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gao ranks as the #2,948 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gao come from?
The Gao 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 Gao name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gao 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 | Gao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,948 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,172 |
| Per 100K People | 4.13 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gao
According to the US Census, the Gao surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,172 Americans with the Gao last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.22% |
| Hispanic | 0.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 97.39% |
| Two or More Races | 0.62% |
Popularity of Gao Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gao surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gao surname increased by 6,767 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gao
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