NameCensus.

UK surname

Tao

A Chinese surname derived from the state of Tao in ancient China or referring to the philosophical concept of Tao.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Blackpool, Bury and Slough.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Tao is 253 in 2015. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

249

2016, ranked #16,847

Peak year

2015

253 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 249 in 2016, ranked #16,847.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Tao surname distribution map

The map shows where the Tao surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Tao surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Tao over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1997 modern 110 #25,529
1998 modern 113 #25,731
1999 modern 124 #24,508
2000 modern 116 #25,452
2001 modern 125 #24,011
2002 modern 139 #22,991
2003 modern 157 #21,026
2004 modern 165 #20,530
2005 modern 175 #19,727
2006 modern 193 #18,675
2007 modern 190 #19,088
2008 modern 195 #18,958
2009 modern 204 #18,779
2010 modern 214 #18,601
2011 modern 218 #18,206
2012 modern 221 #17,979
2013 modern 237 #17,423
2014 modern 250 #16,905
2015 modern 253 #16,669
2016 modern 249 #16,847

Geography

Back to top

Where Taos are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Blackpool, Bury, Slough, Cambridge and Southwark. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Blackpool 010 Blackpool
2 Bury 012 Bury
3 Slough 013 Slough
4 Cambridge 008 Cambridge
5 Southwark 008 Southwark

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Tao

These lists show first names that appear often with the Tao surname in historical and recent records.

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Tao

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Tao, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Tao surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Tao household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Tao is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Tao is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Tao falls in decile 6 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Tao is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Other Ethnic Group

This describes the area pattern most associated with Tao, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Tao

The surname "Tao" is of Chinese origin, tracing its roots back to ancient times. This name is derived from the Chinese word "dao," which means "path" or "way" in Mandarin Chinese. The Tao surname is most commonly found in southern China, particularly in the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian.

In ancient Chinese philosophy, the concept of Tao refers to the natural order of the universe, the way of nature, and the path of harmony and balance. The Tao surname likely originated from individuals or families who embraced or followed the principles of Taoism, a philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in accordance with the Tao.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Tao surname can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), where it appeared in historical records and literature from that era. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), the Tao surname gained prominence, with several notable figures bearing this name.

Among the most famous individuals with the Tao surname was Tao Qian (365-427 CE), a renowned Chinese poet and calligrapher of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. His works, known for their simplicity and celebration of nature, have been widely acclaimed and studied throughout Chinese literary history.

Another notable figure was Tao Gu (903-970 CE), a revered Buddhist monk and scholar during the Song Dynasty. He is renowned for his contributions to the development of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and his influential writings on Buddhist philosophy.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE), the Tao surname was associated with the town of Tao'an, located in present-day Jiangxi Province. This place name, which translates to "peace and tranquility," may have influenced the adoption of the Tao surname by families residing in that area.

In more recent history, Tao Xingzhi (1891-1946) was a prominent Chinese educator and philosopher who advocated for progressive education methods and played a significant role in the modernization of China's educational system.

Lastly, Tao Yuanming (365-427 CE), often referred to as Tao Qian, was a highly influential Chinese poet and philosopher of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. His works, which celebrated the simple life and harmony with nature, have been cherished for centuries and have had a lasting impact on Chinese literature and thought.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Tao surname: questions and answers

How common is the Tao surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 249 in 2016. That gives Tao a modern rank of #16,847.

What does the Tao surname mean?

A Chinese surname derived from the state of Tao in ancient China or referring to the philosophical concept of Tao.

What does the Tao map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Tao bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.