Origin & Meaning of the Lao Surname
What does the last name Lao mean?
The surname Lao carries the meaning "The (feminine)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,897 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lao ranks as the #5,856 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lao come from?
The Lao surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish 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 Lao name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lao trace back to French. 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 | Lao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,856 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,897 |
| Per 100K People | 2.0 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lao
According to the US Census, the Lao surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,897 Americans with the Lao last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.32% |
| Black | 0.51% |
| Hispanic | 10.16% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 84.06% |
| Native American | 0.17% |
| Two or More Races | 1.78% |
Popularity of Lao Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lao surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lao surname increased by 1,374 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Lao.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lao
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