Origin
曹 is associated with the ancient state of Cao and with the Cao family of the Three Kingdoms period.
Distribution and romanization
Cao is common in northern and central China and appears as Chou in Cantonese.
The character behind the surname
ministry officials; surname
Structure: 11 strokes; Kangxi radical 73.
These are the everyday character meanings. A surname’s lineage history can be separate from the literal meaning of its character.
Using it as a foreigner
曹 has a strong, slightly formal feel. It is easy to write and works well with a softer given name.
How to pronounce it
The Mandarin reading is Cáo. Say the vowel clearly and pay attention to the tone. If you are using the name in a Cantonese-speaking context, the romanization may be different — check the variants above.
Names with this surname
These are example full names using 曹. The link goes to the given-name story, where you can see the character meanings and usage notes.
FAQ
Is 曹 a common surname?
It is less common than names such as 李 or 王, but it is still a real and recognisable surname.
Can I use 曹 as a foreigner?
Yes. A surname is optional, but if you want a full Chinese name, a common surname is a safe place to start. Check the full name out loud and make sure the given name does not create an awkward homophone.
Why are there different spellings?
Romanization is not one system. Mandarin pinyin, Cantonese romanization, and family conventions can all produce different spellings. The variants above are the ones you are most likely to see.
Further reading: Chinese Text Project · Unihan database. These profiles are editorial summaries; specific genealogical claims vary by lineage.