Find out how popular the first name Kao has been for the last 44 years (from 1980 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A Chinese unisex name meaning "tall" or "lofty".
Based on the last 44 years of data, Kao is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 66% of people named Kao being male.
For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kao.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2023 | 5 | 0 |
2020 | 5 | 0 |
2019 | 10 | 0 |
2018 | 9 | 0 |
2017 | 8 | 0 |
2016 | 5 | 0 |
2015 | 9 | 0 |
2012 | 7 | 0 |
2011 | 6 | 0 |
2007 | 6 | 0 |
2006 | 5 | 0 |
2004 | 5 | 0 |
2000 | 0 | 6 |
1998 | 8 | 7 |
1997 | 8 | 7 |
1996 | 10 | 5 |
1995 | 15 | 15 |
1994 | 18 | 15 |
1993 | 17 | 13 |
1992 | 32 | 13 |
1991 | 18 | 24 |
1990 | 19 | 17 |
1989 | 25 | 21 |
1988 | 20 | 13 |
1987 | 22 | 8 |
1986 | 18 | 16 |
1985 | 14 | 13 |
1984 | 22 | 8 |
1983 | 30 | 14 |
1982 | 28 | 6 |
1981 | 40 | 14 |
1980 | 23 | 9 |
The given name Kao has its origins in ancient Chinese language and culture, dating back several centuries. It is derived from the Chinese word "kao," which means "high" or "lofty," reflecting a sense of ambition, aspiration, and elevated status.
In ancient Chinese texts and historical records, the name Kao is often associated with individuals of noble birth or high social standing. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the classical Chinese text "Shiji," also known as the "Records of the Grand Historian," written by Sima Qian in the 1st century BCE.
One notable figure bearing the name Kao was Kao Xingzhi, a renowned Chinese educator and philosopher who lived from 1888 to 1940. He was a pioneer in the field of modern education in China and played a significant role in promoting progressive teaching methods and educational reforms.
Another historically significant individual with the name Kao was Kao Qian, a Chinese poet and calligrapher who lived during the 4th century CE. He was known for his exquisite poetry and calligraphic works, which were widely admired and influential in his time.
In the realm of martial arts, Kao Lun, a legendary figure from the 6th century CE, is remembered as the founder of the Shaolin Temple's renowned martial arts tradition. His teachings and principles laid the foundation for the development of various styles of Shaolin Kung Fu.
During the Tang Dynasty, which ruled China from 618 to 907 CE, Kao Yan was a notable military general and strategist. He played a pivotal role in several military campaigns and was instrumental in establishing the Tang Dynasty's dominance over vast territories.
Throughout Chinese history, the name Kao has been associated with individuals of great accomplishments, spanning fields such as literature, education, martial arts, and military strategy. While its origins can be traced back to ancient times, the name continues to hold significance and recognition in Chinese culture.
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 Kao was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Kao first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 17, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/kao-meaning-and-history/.
"Kao first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/kao-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 17 July, 2025
Kao first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/kao-meaning-and-history/.
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