Holding steady.
Popularity of Gao since 1980
Babies named Gao per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 132 |
| 1990s | 204 |
| 2000s | 39 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gao is an uncommon given name in the United States, where it has been recorded since at least 1980. Its peak usage came in 1989, according to Social Security data, though even then it remained extremely rare. The name has shown a stable trajectory with no significant uptick in popularity. As a word name from Chinese, Gao carries the meaning of 'height' or 'tallness', but it functions primarily as a surname in Chinese culture. Its adoption as a first name in English-speaking contexts reflects a broader trend of using surnames or short, phonetically simple names. Unlike many modern coinages, Gao has no ranked placement in recent years, highlighting its niche appeal.
Gao is a Chinese surname and occasionally given name derived from the character 高, meaning 'tall' or 'high'. As a surname, it has been borne by families across China for centuries, but its use as a given name in English-speaking countries is a modern adoption, often chosen for its simplicity or to honor Chinese heritage.
Sibling names for Gao
Names that share Gao's style, for a brother or sister.
