高
Gao
Pronounced like: "Gow (rhymes with 'now')"
Other Spellings: Gao, Kao, Ko, Koh, Kau
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Gao Family Name
L'origine principale du nom de famille Gao remonte à la période des Printemps et Automnes (770-476 av. J.-C.) dans l'État de Qi. Il est dérivé du clan Jiang (姜), descendants de l'empereur Yan. Plus précisément, la lignée a commencé avec Gao Xi, le petit-fils du duc Wen de Qi, à qui le roi a accordé le nom de famille Gao. Une autre branche importante provient des descendants de Gao Chai, un disciple éminent de Confucius. Au cours des siècles, le nom de famille a également été adopté par diverses minorités ethniques telles que les Xianbei et les Mandchous lors de périodes d'intégration culturelle, et il est devenu le nom impérial de la dynastie des Qi du Nord.
What Does the Chinese Surname Gao Mean?
Le nom de famille Gao (高) se traduit littéralement par 'haut', 'grand' ou 'noble' en chinois. Il porte des connotations d'élévation, de proéminence et de noblesse. Historiquement, le caractère était utilisé pour décrire des personnes de statut social élevé, des individus vivant sur des terres hautes (origines topographiques) ou ceux d'une taille physique remarquable. Dans un sens symbolique, il représente l'excellence, la transcendance et un esprit ambitieux. C'est l'un des noms de famille les plus vénérables de l'histoire chinoise, souvent associé à la réussite intellectuelle et au pouvoir politique à travers diverses dynasties.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Gao
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Gao | Mandarin Pinyin |
| Kao | Wade-Giles |
| Ko | Cantonese/Hokkien |
| Koh | Teochew |
| Kau | Hakka |
Famous People With the Surname Gao
1. Gao Jianli : Un musicien légendaire de la fin de la période des Royaumes combattants, célèbre pour sa maîtrise du Zhu (un instrument à cordes) et sa tentative audacieuse d'assassiner le premier empereur de Qin.
2. Gao Shilian : Un haut fonctionnaire et chancelier au début de la dynastie Tang, qui a joué un rôle déterminant dans l'ascension de l'empereur Taizong et la compilation des 'Registres des Clans'.
3. Gao Xingjian : Un romancier, dramaturge et critique contemporain qui est devenu le premier écrivain d'origine chinoise à recevoir le prix Nobel de littérature en 2000, surtout connu pour son œuvre 'La Montagne de l'âme'.
Clan Motto
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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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Gao (高) mean?+
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.
How common is the surname Gao?+
The surname Gao ranks approximately #20 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 高?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Gao. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Gow (rhymes with 'now')".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last 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.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last 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.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
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.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
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.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
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.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
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.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.