Origin & Meaning of the Lau Surname
What does the last name Lau mean?
The surname Lau 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 29,792 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lau ranks as the #1,187 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lau come from?
The Lau 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 Lau name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lau 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 | Lau |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,187 |
| US Count (2010) | 29,792 |
| Per 100K People | 10.1 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lau
According to the US Census, the Lau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 29,792 Americans with the Lau last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 16.19% |
| Black | 0.24% |
| Hispanic | 3.47% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 76.07% |
| Native American | 0.08% |
| Two or More Races | 3.94% |
Popularity of Lau Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lau surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lau surname increased by 4,168 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Lau Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lau ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Lau Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Lau Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lau
- ✓ The Lau coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Lau families live today
- ✓ Notable Lau bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Lau
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lau.
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 Lau.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lau
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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