boy name · Chinese origin
Tao
/ TOW /
Meaning
Tao means Great waves (涛) (Chinese).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Chinese
Pronunciation
TOW
Popularity
#5824 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Tao in the US, 1880–2025
Tao first appears in US records in 1970. It peaked in 2021, when 20 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 16.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Tao mean?
Tao is commonly the character 涛, “great waves,” or 桃, “peach.”
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tao mean?
Tao means Great waves (涛). Tao is commonly the character 涛, “great waves,” or 桃, “peach.”
What is the origin of the name Tao?
Tao is of Chinese origin.
How do you pronounce Tao?
Tao is pronounced “TOW.”
Is Tao a boy or a girl name?
Tao is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Tao?
In 2025, Tao ranked #5824 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Tao most popular?
Tao was most popular in 2021, when about 20 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.