Origin & Meaning of the Rao Surname
What does the last name Rao mean?
The surname Rao 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 11,672 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rao ranks as the #3,075 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rao come from?
The Rao 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 Rao name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rao 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 | Rao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,075 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,672 |
| Per 100K People | 3.96 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rao
According to the US Census, the Rao surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,672 Americans with the Rao last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 17.02% |
| Black | 0.27% |
| Hispanic | 1.09% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 78.55% |
| Native American | 0.16% |
| Two or More Races | 2.91% |
Popularity of Rao Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rao surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rao surname increased by 3,249 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Rao Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Rao ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Rao Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Rao Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Rao
- ✓ The Rao coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Rao families live today
- ✓ Notable Rao bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Rao
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Rao.
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 Rao.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rao
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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