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.
Discover Your Shao Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Shao ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Shao Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Shao Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Shao
- ✓ The Shao coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Shao families live today
- ✓ Notable Shao 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 Shao
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shao.
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 Shao.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shao
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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