Gaozong is a Chinese male given name of historical significance and rich meaning. The name originates from ancient China during the Tang Dynasty, which was a time of great cultural and technological advancement.
The character "高" in Gaozong means 'high' or 'tall', while "宗" means 'lineage' or 'clan'. Therefore, the literal translation of Gaozong is 'High Ancestry'. This name was bestowed upon Emperor Taizong's successor, Li Zhi, who reigned from 650 to 683 AD. As emperor, he was known as Emperor Gaozong and his reign marked a period of stability and prosperity in the Tang Dynasty.
The use of Gaozong as a given name continued beyond its imperial origins. Throughout Chinese history, it has been chosen by parents for their sons as an aspirational name, reflecting wishes for their child to grow into someone of high integrity and nobility, much like Emperor Gaozong himself.
Today, Gaozong remains a respected and traditional Chinese male name, carrying with it the historic weight of its imperial namesake. It is still selected by many families in China and among the global Chinese diaspora who wish to bestow their sons with a strong and meaningful name.
The statistics regarding the given name Gaozong show a consistent presence over time in the United States. From 1995 to 1996, there were five births each year with this name. The frequency then increased slightly a decade later, with six births recorded in 2005. In total, across these three years, Gaozong was given as a first name to sixteen babies born in the United States. This data demonstrates that while not extremely common, the name Gaozong has been carried on through generations during this period.