Yao (), also romanized as Yiu in Cantonese, is one of the most ancient Chinese surnames, the "Eight Great Xings of High Antiquity". It is also unique that, along with Jiang 姜 it is still in common use in the modern day. It is listed 101st in the Hundred Family Surnames, and as the 51st most common surname in Mainland China.
Alternate spellings Mandarin: Yao Cantonese: Iu, Yiu Min Nan (Hokkien (Fujian)/Teochew): Lao, Lau, Yeow Vietnamese: Diêu, Dao Korean: Yo Japanese: Yō Singapore: Yow, Yeo, Iau Malaysia: Yeow
Prominent people
Yao
Yao Chonghua, the name of Emperor Shun of pre-dynastic China, one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors Yao Chang, founding emperor of the Later Qin Dynasty Yao Feng (born Yao Jingming), poet, Portuguese scholar and former Deputy Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Macau SAR. Yao Ming, Chinese professional basketball player and humanitarian Andrew Yao, Chinese computer scientist and A.M. Turing Award laureate Jianping Yao, Canadian engineer Yao Defen, former world's tallest woman Yao Wenyuan, member of the Gang of Four MC HotDog (born Yao Chung-jen), Taiwanese rapper Yao Beina, Chinese singer Yao Chen, Chinese actress Yao Jen-to, former Vice Chairperson and Secretary-General of Straits Exchange Foundation of the Republic of China Yao Leeh-ter, former Political Deputy Minister of Education of the Republic of China Yao Mingming, Former member of K-pop group BLK and C-pop Group UNINE Yao Wenlong, Malaysia born Singapore actor Jeanny Yao, Canadian biochemist, technology entrepreneur and environmentalist; jointly identified a bacteria that breaks down phthalates and co-founded Novoloop Matthias Yao, Singaporean politician
Yiu
Claire Yiu, Hong Kong actress Edward Yiu, Hong Kong scholar and politician Raymond Yiu, Hong Kong composer Yiu Cheuk Yin, Hong Kong footballer Yiu Ho Ming, Hong Kong footballer Yiu Si-wing, Hong Kong lawmaker Chantel Yiu, Hong Kong singer and actress
Yeow Yeow Chai Thiam, Malaysian politician.
Yew Yew Teong Look, Malaysian politician.
fictional characters Astra Yao, a fictional character from Zenless Zone Zero Yao Guang, a fictional character from Honkai: Star Rail Ling Yao (later as Greed), a fictional character from Fullmetal Alchemist
References