Gao

“In China, Gao (高) is a common surname that can also be found as a given name for females” — Symbolize aspirations for success

China origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1056US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

375All-time births

📅 Since 198000

How to pronounce Gao

GOW

/ˈɡaʊ/ · stress on GOW · 1 syllable

“In China, Gao (高) is a common surname that can also be found as a given name for females”

Symbolize aspirations for success · China origin

What does Gao mean and where does it come from?

In China, Gao (高) is a common surname that can also be found as a given name for females. It signifies height or greatness and is often associated with prosperity and ambition. The utilization of Gao in names can also symbolize aspirations for success, as the characteristics of height are historical

Cultural significance

Gao has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in China-speaking communities, where it reflects values of chinese.

Peak popularity

Reached #3323 in 1989 — currently #1056 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Gao?

Gao works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Gao Grace

How popular is Gao right now?

Holding steady — currently #1056 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#1056 · Top 0.78%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1056	1,144	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1061	1,124	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1066	1,094	▲ up 12446 · +15529% births
2005	#13512	7	▼ down 1153
2000	#12359	7	▼ down 8043 · -71% births
1995	#4316	24	▲ up 42 · +4% births
1990	#4358	23	▲ up 708 · +53% births
1985	#5066	15	▲ up 5183 · +150% births
1980	#10249	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gao

Best Year2023Rank #1056

Peak Count1,144

Average Rank#5894

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 20239 years

The story of Gao

Gao is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. With 375 total births recorded, Gao remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10249 in 1980 to #1056 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Gao in 1989:

Jessica Ashley Brittany Amanda Sarah

Gao by decade

Gao peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	132
1990s ★	204
2000s	39

💎Gao has only 375 total recorded births since 1980 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Gao?

Common

GaieGay

What names sound and feel like Gao?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gao also consider these

China · Nine or long-lasting.

Mao

China · 毛 (Máo) -

Hao

China · good; hold; contain;

Gai

China · Can mean 'victory',

Cao

Latin · A Latin name

Common questions about the name Gao

What does the name Gao mean?

Gao means "Chinese" — a name rooted in China 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 Gao?

Gao is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Gao?

Gao originates from China tradition. China names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Gao?

Gao is a one-syllable name pronounced G AW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Gao sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Gao flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Gao ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.