Chao
A surname with several possible roots, most often linked to Chinese or Iberian language forms, and in some cases to a word meaning "plain" or "flat ground."
The #3,432 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 29,693 Americans shares it.
Etymology
This surname is not straightforwardly explained by the excerpts alone. In Iberian contexts, chao can mean “flat ground,” especially in Galician and related Romance usage, so it may have begun as a topographic name for someone living by level land. Separately, Chao is also a well-known Chinese surname, but the excerpts provided do not establish a specific Chinese character or line of descent.
History
The historical excerpts do not supply a clean dictionary entry for this surname, only incidental mentions. In modern usage, Chao is found both as a Chinese family name and as a surname in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking settings, so its bearers may have unrelated origins depending on family history. The US frequency likely reflects multiple independent sources rather than a single family line.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In Galician, chao can mean “flat” or “level,” which is why it sometimes appears in place names and older surname explanations.
From the historical record
“Chao Simon alle Gore, co. Soma., i Bdw. Ul: Klrtiy'»Qoe«, p.84. Adam GonHge, co, Sobu, i Edw. Ill :”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instancesNotable people named Chao
- Manu Chao (b. 1961)
- Elaine Chao (b. 1953)
Sourced from Wikidata; linked to their Wikipedia page.