Origin & Meaning of the Kao Surname
What does the last name Kao mean?
The surname Kao 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 6,018 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kao ranks as the #5,758 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kao come from?
The Kao 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 Kao name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kao 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 | Kao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,758 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,018 |
| Per 100K People | 2.04 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kao
According to the US Census, the Kao surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,018 Americans with the Kao last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.81% |
| Hispanic | 0.66% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 93.09% |
| Two or More Races | 2.76% |
Popularity of Kao Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kao surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kao surname increased by 702 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Kao.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kao
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