Origin & Meaning of the Yao Surname
What does the last name Yao mean?
The surname Yao 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 7,192 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Yao ranks as the #4,898 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Yao come from?
The Yao 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 Yao name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Yao 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 | Yao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,898 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,192 |
| Per 100K People | 2.44 |
| First Letter | Y |
Ethnic Distribution of Yao
According to the US Census, the Yao surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,192 Americans with the Yao last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.13% |
| Black | 2.45% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 92.91% |
| Two or More Races | 1.99% |
Popularity of Yao Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Yao surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Yao surname increased by 2,600 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Yao.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yao
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