Kao Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KOW /kaʊ/
Origin: Japanese; Chinese
Meaning: Japanese: 'fragrance'; Chinese: 'to be' or 'to be present'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kao has roots in several languages, primarily deriving from Chinese, where it can be represented by various characters, each with distinct meanings. In Mandarin, the character "考" (Kǎo) translates to "to examine" or "to test," while "高" (Gāo) means "high" or "tall." The name's etymology reflects a rich linguistic heritage, as it has been adopted in various forms across East Asian cultures, including Japanese and Korean, often carrying similar meanings related to examination or height, depending on the characters used.
Historically, the name Kao has been associated with notable figures in Chinese history, including scholars and officials during the imperial eras. For instance, during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), the name was borne by influential individuals who contributed to the development of Confucian thought and governance.
The use of the name in literature and historical texts further solidified its significance, as it appeared in various classical works that emphasized moral integrity and scholarly achievement. Culturally, the name Kao resonates with themes of aspiration and excellence, often symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
In Chinese tradition, names are chosen with care, reflecting the hopes and values of families. The name's association with examination and height can symbolize a desire for success and prominence in one's endeavors.
Additionally, diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist in different cultures, but the core significance remains tied to its original meanings. Overall, Kao embodies a blend of linguistic depth and cultural heritage, marking its place in the historical narrative of East Asian naming practices.
Famous people named Kao
In this section, you will find notable people named Kao. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Kao who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Kao who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Kao Kalia Yang is an author best known for The Latehomecomer, Somewhere in the Unknown World, and The Song Poet.
Kao Keng is a professional basketball player best known for playing in the Taiwanese league.
Fictional characters named Kao
The following list of fictional characters named Kao is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Kao is a fictional character from the video game series Kao the Kangaroo. He is a brave kangaroo who embarks on adventures to rescue his kidnapped sister and defeat evil foes.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kao, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Kao. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kao was first seen in the United States in 1980.
Kao has ranked as high as #1079 nationally, which occurred in 1981, and has been most popular in California, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington.
In the past 5 years the name Kao has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Kao is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Kao was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Kao (1996)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 9 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Kao.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1996 | 10 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1994 | 18 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1992 | 32 |
| 1991 | 18 |
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1989 | 25 |
| 1988 | 20 |
| 1987 | 22 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1985 | 14 |
| 1984 | 22 |
| 1983 | 30 |
| 1982 | 28 |
| 1981 | 40 |
| 1980 | 23 |