Explanation of the Gao Clan Totem

Meaning

Gao (高) means tall, lofty, or elevated.

It conveys height, prominence, and upright stature.

Origin

One early origin traces back to the Yellow Emperor, who lived at Xuanyuan Hill (modern Xinzheng, Henan).

Among his ministers was Gao Yuan, who was responsible for constructing palaces and residences.

He is sometimes regarded as the earliest figure associated with the Gao surname, though his lineage cannot be fully verified.

For this reason, most surname histories recognize Gao Xi (高傒) as the true founding ancestor of the Gao clan.

During the Zhou Dynasty, Qi Wengong Chi, the 6th‑generation descendant of Lü Shang (founder of the State of Qi), had a son named Gao.

Gao’s grandson Xi (傒), together with the famous statesman Guan Zhong, supported Prince Xiaobai’s rise to the throne as Duke Huan of Qi.

Gao Xi served as a senior minister of Qi and held the fief of Lu (modern southwest Changqing, Shandong).

His descendants adopted his grandfather’s name Gao as their surname, forming the Gao clan.

Ancestral Founder of the Surname

Gao Xi

Ancestral Homelands

• Xinzheng, Henan

• Changqing, Shandong

Prominent Clans / Halls

• Bohai, Yuyang

• Houyu Hall, Guangling Hall

Modern Ranking / Population

• 19th most common surname in China

• Approximately 13.3 million people

Ranking in the Song Dynasty’s Hundred Family Surnames

• 153rd

Existing Genealogies

• 356 volumes preserved today