Origin & Meaning of the Yau Surname
What does the last name Yau mean?
The surname Yau 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 3,033 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Yau ranks as the #10,565 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Yau come from?
The Yau 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 Yau name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Yau 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 | Yau |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,565 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,033 |
| Per 100K People | 1.03 |
| First Letter | Y |
Ethnic Distribution of Yau
According to the US Census, the Yau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,033 Americans with the Yau last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.31% |
| Hispanic | 2.57% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 92.55% |
| Two or More Races | 2.24% |
Popularity of Yau Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Yau surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Yau surname increased by 347 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yau
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