Find out how popular the first name Dao has been for the last 39 years (from 1980 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dao by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Dao is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 69% of people named Dao being male.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dao.

The history of the first name Dao

The name Dao has its origins in Chinese culture and is derived from the word "dao," which means "way" or "path" in Chinese philosophy. This name has a deep connection to the ancient Chinese concept of Daoism, which emphasizes living in harmony with the natural order of the universe.

Dao is believed to have been in use as a given name in China for centuries, but its earliest recorded appearance is difficult to pinpoint due to the vast history of Chinese civilization. The name is often associated with the foundational text of Daoism, the Dao De Jing, attributed to the philosopher Laozi, who lived around the 6th century BCE.

One of the earliest documented individuals with the name Dao was Dao Guang (562-619 CE), a renowned Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar during the Tang Dynasty. He made significant contributions to the study and translation of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit into Chinese.

Another notable figure in history with the name Dao was Dao Kan (286-360 CE), a Chinese calligrapher and painter who lived during the Jin Dynasty. He is celebrated for his innovative calligraphic style and his influence on the development of Chinese calligraphy.

In the 20th century, Dao Fahai (1943-2004) was a prominent Taiwanese Buddhist monk and scholar who dedicated his life to the study and promotion of Chan Buddhism. He established several monasteries and educational institutions in Taiwan and abroad.

Dao Zhunzhong (1904-1973) was a Chinese linguist and philologist known for his extensive research on the Chinese language and his contributions to the field of historical linguistics.

Dao Sifu (1905-1985), born Dao Zhenfei, was a renowned Chinese martial arts master and practitioner of Xingyi Quan. He played a significant role in preserving and promoting this traditional Chinese martial art in the 20th century.

While the name Dao has a rich history rooted in Chinese culture and philosophy, it has also been adopted by individuals from various backgrounds and cultures worldwide, reflecting the global influence of Chinese traditions and values.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Dao was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dao, please contact us.

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