Origin of the Rao Surname
The Rao surname is of Asian origin (Asian). In the 2010 U.S. Census it ranked #3,075 with 11,672 Americans (3.96 per 100K people).
What the name meant to the first families who bore it — and how Rao traveled across regions and centuries — is written out in the full Heritage Report.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Rao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Full etymology in the Heritage Report |
| 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
Among 11,672 Americans named Rao, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander (78.55%).
The full multi-group chart (every percentage, print-ready) is inside the Heritage Report — not repeated here.
Popularity of Rao Over Time
Between the 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census, the national rank of Rao moved up. Exact counts for both years — print-ready — are in the Heritage Report.
Where did the Rao family really come from?
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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
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Get one Rao fact most families never hear by email — a teaser, not the full etymology (that’s in the report).
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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