Origin & Meaning of the Chau Surname
What does the last name Chau mean?
The surname Chau carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 16,667 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Chau ranks as the #2,181 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Chau come from?
The Chau surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Chau name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Chau trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Chau |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,181 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,667 |
| Per 100K People | 5.65 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Chau
According to the US Census, the Chau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,667 Americans with the Chau last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.64% |
| Hispanic | 1.91% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.44% |
| Two or More Races | 1.83% |
Popularity of Chau Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Chau surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Chau surname increased by 3,429 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Chau.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chau
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