We have successfully grown Nd3+-doped gadolinium vanadate ( Nd:GdVO4) single crystals by a modified Czochralski method in which a high temperature gradient was maintained at the interface during growth. Step faceting occurred during crystal growth and the cause of the faceting is discussed in relation to the growth conditions. Laser diode (LD) pumped laser oscillations were demonstrated. The Nd:GdVO4 single crystal showed superior lasing properties to Nd:YVO4 and Nd:YAG single crystals.