Origin & Meaning of the Liu Surname
What does the last name Liu mean?
The surname Liu 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 78,370 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Liu ranks as the #411 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Liu come from?
The Liu 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 Liu name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Liu 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 | Liu |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #411 |
| US Count (2010) | 78,370 |
| Per 100K People | 26.57 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Liu
According to the US Census, the Liu surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 78,370 Americans with the Liu last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.79% |
| Black | 0.17% |
| Hispanic | 0.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 95.62% |
| Native American | 0.02% |
| Two or More Races | 1.86% |
Popularity of Liu Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Liu surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Liu surname increased by 30,705 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Liu
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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 Liu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liu
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