Chao
A Chinese surname meaning "surpass" or "transcend," or referring to someone from the ancient state of Chao.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 12,065 Americans carry the last name Chao. That puts it at #3,432 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 3.52 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 28,409 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Chao surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
12K
1 in 28,409
Census rank
#3,432
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
3.5
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
10K
uncommon in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 10,398 bearers of the surname Chao in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 3.52 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 3432nd position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Chao, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 86.7%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (6.4%) and White (3.7%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Chao
The surname CHAO is believed to have originated in China, tracing its roots back to the 16th century or earlier. It is derived from the Chinese word "zhao," which means "bright" or "shining." This suggests that the name may have initially been given to individuals who possessed a radiant or brilliant demeanor or appearance.
In ancient Chinese records, the name CHAO can be found in various historical documents and manuscripts, including the Ming Dynasty archives. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname CHAO dates back to the late 16th century, when a scholar named CHAO Yuanfang (1550-1624) gained recognition for his contributions to literature and philosophy.
During the Qing Dynasty, the CHAO surname gained prominence in the region of Guangdong, particularly in the city of Shantou. This area was known for its thriving maritime trade and cultural exchanges, which may have contributed to the spread and adoption of the name among local families.
Notable individuals bearing the CHAO surname throughout history include CHAO Yuen Ren (1892-1982), a renowned linguist and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of the Chinese language and its dialects. Another prominent figure was CHAO Shu-li (1908-1975), a celebrated mathematician and physicist known for his work on the kinetic theory of gases and statistical mechanics.
In the realm of literature, CHAO Shao-an (1905-1998) was a prominent Chinese writer and poet whose works explored themes of love, nature, and social commentary. His poetic works and essays were widely celebrated and influential during the 20th century.
Beyond the borders of China, the CHAO surname has also been found in various parts of Southeast Asia, particularly in areas with strong cultural and historical ties to China. For instance, in Singapore, CHAO Tzee Cheng (1910-1993) was a respected businessman and philanthropist who played a pivotal role in the development of the city-state's education and social welfare systems.
While the CHAO surname has its roots in China, it has since spread across the globe, carried by individuals and families who have contributed to various fields, from academia and literature to business and philanthropy. The name continues to hold a rich heritage and cultural significance, reflecting the diverse histories and narratives that have shaped its journey.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Chao
Among Census respondents with the surname Chao, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 86.7%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (6.4%) and White (3.7%).
The bar chart below shows how Chao bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Chao surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Asian and Pacific Islander86.7%
- Hispanic or Latino6.4%
- White3.7%
- Two or more races3.0%
- Black or African American0.2%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.1%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Chao surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #3,432 | #3,432 | 0.0% |
| Count | 10,398 | 10,398 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 3.52 | 3.52 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Chao bearers went from 10,398 to 10,398 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #3,432 to #3,432.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Chao
FAQ
Chao surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Chao?
The surname Chao holds position #3,432 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 12,065 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 3.52 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Chao surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Chao, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 86.7%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (6.4%) and White (3.7%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.