This paper reports a surface-emitting (SE) distributed feedback laser based on high-order surface gratings. The proposed device not only retains the advantages of edge-emitting lasers such as excellent single-mode property, high internal quantum efficiency, and high output power but also obtains other appealing characteristics, such as easy realization of the hybrid integration, the simple fabrication process, etc. The SE distributed feedback laser is analyzed and optimized for better performances using an improved traveling wave model.