Cao
“tall, high”
Chinese origin · Unisex name
#1722US 2023
10Births / yr
→Stable
Top 1.3%Percentile
What does Cao mean and where does it come from?
Cao is a common Chinese surname and given name derived from the character 曹, which means 'tall' or 'high'.
Cultural significance
In Chinese culture, Cao is often associated with historical figures and is used in various regions of China as both a surname and given name.
Peak popularity
Reached #1722 in 2015 — currently #1722 in the US.
How else can you spell Cao?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cao?
Cao works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cao Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Cao John
One syllable · timeless choice
Cao Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Cao Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cao Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Cao Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Cao right now?
Holding steady — currently #1722 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
Cao is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.
What are good nicknames for Cao?
Common
CaieCay
Famous people named Cao
CC
Cao Cao
A prominent warlord and poet during the late Eastern Han dynasty.
CX
Cao Xueqin
An influential Qing dynasty novelist, best known for 'Dream of the Red Chamber'.
What names sound and feel like Cao?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cao also consider these
Common questions about the name Cao
What does the name Cao mean?
Cao means "tall, high" — a name rooted in Chinese tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cao?
Cao is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cao?
Cao originates from Chinese tradition. Chinese names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Cao sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Cao flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Cao ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Cao more of a girl or boy name?
Cao is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
Parents who viewed Cao also looked at…
Based on what other parents saved alongside Cao