Summary

Originating from Vietnam, the surname Thao is commonly found among the ethnic Vietnamese population. It is derived from the Vietnamese word 'thảo' meaning 'herb' or 'grass'. The surname holds significance within Vietnamese culture and is often associated with qualities like wisdom, bravery, and resilience.
There are
23404
Thaos in the USA
Thao is the
1536th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Thao

MaiDer

Mai Der Vang is a Hmong American poet and writer. She is best known for her book of poetry, Afterland, which won the 2016 Walt Whitman Award.

ThaoNguyen

Thao Nguyen is a Vietnamese American singer-songwriter, known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of Thao & The Get Down Stay Down.

KaoKalia

Kao Kalia Yang is a Hmong American writer and activist. She is the author of The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir and The Song Poet.

VictoriaVang

Victoria Vang is a Hmong American artist and photographer. Her work focuses on exploring and documenting Hmong identity and culture.

WangThao

Wang Thao is a Hmong American politician who served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019.

ChouThao

Chou Thao is a Hmong American actor and filmmaker. He is known for his roles in Hmong films and his work in promoting Hmong representation in media.

YerThao

Yer Thao is a Hmong American community leader and advocate. She has been involved in various nonprofit organizations and initiatives to support the Hmong community.

AmyLee

Amy Lee is an American singer-songwriter and the lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence. She is known for her powerful vocals and gothic-inspired music.

KongLor

Kong Lor is a Laotian politician and diplomat. He served as the Ambassador of Laos to the United States from 2002 to 2020.

PhengLy

Pheng Ly is a Cambodian American artist and sculptor. His artworks often explore themes of heritage, identity, and the Cambodian diaspora.

Thao Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Thao' is of Hmong origin. The Hmong people are an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Thao' is most commonly found among Hmong communities in the United States, especially in states like Minnesota, California, and Wisconsin. It is also found in other countries with significant Hmong populations.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Thao' include 'Xiong', 'Lee', 'Vang', 'Vue', 'Lor', 'Ly', 'Her', 'Yang', and 'Vat'. These variations reflect different Hmong subgroups and clans.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Thao' have migrated to the United States as refugees from Southeast Asia, primarily in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. They sought refuge and resettlement due to political and social upheaval in their home countries.