Gao
Pronounced like: "Gow (rhymes with 'now')"
Other Spellings: Gao, Kao, Ko, Koh, Kau
The primary origin of the Gao surname traces back to the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) in the State of Qi. It is derived from the Jiang (姜) clan, descendants of the Yan Emperor. Specifically, the line started with Gao Xi, the grandson of Duke Wen of Qi, who was granted the surname Gao by the King. Another significant branch originated from the descendants of Gao Chai, a prominent disciple of Confucius. Over centuries, the surname was also adopted by various ethnic minorities such as the Xianbei and Manchu during periods of cultural integration, and it became the imperial surname of the Northern Qi dynasty.
The surname Gao (高) literally translates to 'high', 'tall', or 'lofty' in Chinese. It carries connotations of elevation, prominence, and nobility. Historically, the character was used to describe people of high social status, individuals who lived on high ground (topographic origins), or those of notable physical height. In a symbolic sense, it represents excellence, transcendence, and an aspiring spirit. It is one of the most venerable surnames in Chinese history, often associated with intellectual achievement and political power across various dynasties, maintaining its prestige as a name of honor and distinction.
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Gao | Mandarin Pinyin |
| Kao | Wade-Giles |
| Ko | Cantonese/Hokkien |
| Koh | Teochew |
| Kau | Hakka |
1. Gao Jianli: A legendary musician from the late Warring States period, famous for his skill with the Zhu (a stringed instrument) and his daring attempt to assassinate the First Emperor of Qin.
2. Gao Shilian: A high-ranking official and chancellor during the early Tang Dynasty, who was instrumental in assisting Emperor Taizong's rise to power and the compilation of the 'Clan Records'.
3. Gao Xingjian: A contemporary novelist, playwright, and critic who became the first Chinese-born writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2000, best known for his work 'Soul Mountain'.
Traditional clan mottos for the 高 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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The surname Gao (高) literally translates to 'high', 'tall', or 'lofty' in Chinese. It carries connotations of elevation, prominence, and nobility. Historically, the character was used to describe people of high social status, individuals who lived on high ground (topographic origins), or those of notable physical height. In a symbolic sense, it represents excellence, transcendence, and an aspiring spirit. It is one of the most venerable surnames in Chinese history, often associated with intellectual achievement and political power across various dynasties, maintaining its prestige as a name of honor and distinction.
The surname Gao ranks approximately #20 among all Chinese surnames.
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Gao. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Gow (rhymes with 'now')".
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 1000 are in common use today. Our database covers these 1000+ essential family names.
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
The Hundred Family Surnames (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Yes. While most are single-character surnames, there are also compound surnames (fuxing) made of two characters, such as Ouyang, Zhuge, and Sima.
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the woman radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.