Tao
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.
Is Tao popular?
Steady Tao has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2021.
| 2020s | 81 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 131 | |
| 2000s | 116 | |
| 1990s | 23 | |
| 1980s | 37 | |
| 1970s | 45 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Tao mean?
Tao is commonly the character 涛, “great waves,” or 桃, “peach.”
Names like Tao
Chinese names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Tao
Popular Chinese names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Tao
Explore related names
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.
Is Tao a popular name right now?
Tao has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2021.
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.
What names are similar to Tao?
Names similar to Tao include Hao, Peng, Wei, Ming, Yong.
What names go well with Tao?
Chinese names that pair well with Tao include Long, Mei, Lan, Xia, Hao.