Surname Lau - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering Multi-Region Origins and Ancient Ties: A Personal Journey through the iGENEA DNA Test
The iGENEA DNA test has transformed my perception of my family identity and my understanding of our surname, Lau. It has unveiled the multi-region origins of our surname, introduced diversity into our previously singular Asian heritage, and uncovered links to ancient human populations. This has spurred further research and instilled a renewed sense of connection with the broader spectrum of human history.
N. Lau
read moreLau: What does the surname Lau mean?
The last name Lau is a Chinese surname that originated with the ancient state of Lau which existed during the Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046 BC-256 BC). In Chinese, the surname Lau means 'beauty' and is believed to be derived from the Longshan culture of China.
The surname Lau is descended from a very influential and powerful family line that was prominent during the Chou period. During the time of the Chou Dynasty, the Lau Family represented the southwest region of China. Over the centuries, the Lau family has spread throughout the world and established clans in many countries.
Today, the Lau surname is widely distributed throughout China, throughout the Chinese diaspora, and in other countries such as Canada, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Despite dispersement throughout the world, the Lau surname has maintained its meaning of “beauty”.
In traditional Chinese culture, the Lau surname symbolizes hope and is a tribute to the ancestral families who brought many inventions and developments during the Chou period. The Lau Family is also known for its loyalty, intelligence, and virtues — important values that the Lau family still carries today.
Thus, the Lau family name carries a long history and legacy of beauty, intelligence, loyalty, and virtue that spans centuries and continues to unite the Lau family around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisLau: Where does the name Lau come from?
The last name Lau is most common today in many countries throughout Asia. It is particularly popular in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, parts of Southeast Asia and certain Chinese diaspora communities.
The origin of the last name is Chinese in nature, specifically Cantonese. The most widely accepted etymology suggests that the name originated from an ancestral word meaning “a marsh”. This is supported by the fact that the surname holds a greater prevalence in areas that historically bordered large bodies of water, such as the Pearl River Delta in which Hong Kong is located.
The surname is shared by many high-profile public figures in a variety of fields, including business, art, sports and politics. A few notable examples include the renowned Hong Kong martial arts actor Jackie Chan, the Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the American actor Randall Park.
In terms of distribution, the surname is most popular in China, where it ranks as the 44th most common. It is also quite common in Hong Kong where it ranks as the 15th most common. Furthermore, it is a popular surname amongst Cantonese-speaking Chinese communities in the United States, Canada and Australia, where it is sometimes anglicized into alternative spellings such as Lowe or Lowe.
Therefore, the last name Lau can be found in a number of countries throughout Asia, and in certain parts of the West, such as the Americas and Australia. It is a common surname with a proud and venerable history, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Variations of the surname Lau
The surname Lau is most common in areas with Chinese populations, and may have different variants and spellings depending on culture and region.
In Chinese culture, the surname Lau is written as 劉 or 刘, and variants may include Liu, Lo and Loh. In the Cantonese dialect, the surname Lau may be pronounced as Lau, Low or Lou, depending on the dialect.
In Vietnamese culture, the surname may be spelt as Lê or Lý, and is often pronounced as La or Li. Other variants of the surname may include Ley and Le.
In areas with more diverse cultures, the surname Lau may have alternative spellings. In places like the United States, other spellings that may be used include Law, Lew, Lieu and Lowe.
In addition, Lau is a shortened version of other surnames such as Laughton, Laughman, Lauinger and Laurin, all of which are based on the original surname Lau.
Overall, the different variants and spellings of the surname Lau all originated from the same source, but were adapted to different cultures over time.
Famous people with the name Lau
- Andy Lau: Hong Kong actor, singer, and philanthropist
- Dennis Lau: English professional footballer
- Jay Lau: Malaysian Chinese actor and singer
- Johnathon Lau: Australian professional footballer
- Rafael Lau: Brazillian actor and tennis player
- Nick Lau: American professional basketball player
- Vivian Lau: Canadian entrepreneur
- Alan Lau: Chinese-American painter
- Aaric Lau: Australian actor and singer
- Elaine Lau: Hong Kong radio DJ and actress
- Elsa Lau: Chinese TV show host
- Shirley Lau: Hong Kong actress
- Vincent Lau: Hong Kong cinematographer
- Winky Lau: Hong Kong fashion designer
- Patsy Lau: Hong Kong actress
- Alex Lau: Taiwanese actor
- Cynthia Lau: Malaysian news presenter
- Cyrus Lau: Hong Kong actor, filmmaker, and producer
- Elizabeth Lau: American author
- Herman Lau: Malaysian artist