Origin & Meaning of the Shao Surname
What does the last name Shao mean?
The surname Shao 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 3,741 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shao ranks as the #8,765 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shao come from?
The Shao 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 Shao name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shao 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 | Shao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,765 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,741 |
| Per 100K People | 1.27 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shao
According to the US Census, the Shao surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,741 Americans with the Shao last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.78% |
| Black | 0.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 95.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.07% |
Popularity of Shao Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shao surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shao surname increased by 1,802 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shao
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