Takao

“tall”

Japan origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1552US 2023

648Births / yr

→Stable

146All-time births

📅 Since 191400

How to pronounce Takao

tah·KAH·oh

/ˌtɑ.ˈkɑ.oʊ/ · stress on KAH · 3 syllables

“tall”

Japan origin · Boy name

What does Takao mean and where does it come from?

Takao (高雄) is a common Japanese name, often given to boys. The meaning of the name can vary depending on the kanji characters used. The kanji '高' means 'tall' or 'high', while '雄' means 'male' or 'heroic'. The name has been used since ancient times and reflects traditional Japanese values of strengt

Cultural significance

Takao has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of tall.

Peak popularity

Reached #2229 in 1922 — currently #1552 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Takao?

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

Takao Grace

How popular is Takao right now?

Holding steady — currently #1552 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1552 · Top 1.1%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1552	648	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1557	628	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1562	598	▲ up 1930 · +9867% births
1935	#3492	6	▲ up 334
1930	#3826	6	▼ down 1267 · -50% births
1925	#2559	12	▲ up 175 · +9% births
1920	#2734	11	▲ up 916 · +83% births
1915	#3650	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Takao

Best Year2023Rank #1552

Peak Count648

Average Rank#2617

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20238 years

The story of Takao

Takao entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 146 total births recorded, Takao remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3650 in 1915 to #1552 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Takao in 1922:

John Robert William James Charles

Takao by decade

Takao peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	51
1920s ★	77
1930s	18

💎Takao has only 146 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Takao?

Common

TakTakieTaky

What names sound and feel like Takao?

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

Makao

Japan · someone who plays

Tadao

Japan · Japanese

Takai

Japan · 高い (Takai) meaning

Japan · righteous man, honorable

Taizo

Japan · Japanese

Common questions about the name Takao

What does the name Takao mean?

Takao means "tall" — a name rooted in Japan 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 Takao?

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

What is the cultural origin of Takao?

Takao originates from Japan tradition. Japan 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 Takao?

Takao is a three-syllable name pronounced T AA2 K AA1 OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Takao?

Takao pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.