六
Liu
Pronounced like: "Lyoh"
Other Spellings: Liu, Luk, Liok, Lioq, Lieu
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Liu Family Name
The origins of the surname Liu (六) can be traced back over 2,600 years to the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient China. The primary source is the State of Liu, which was located in the vicinity of present-day Liu'an in Anhui Province. This state was founded by the descendants of Gao Yao, the revered Minister of Justice under the legendary Emperors Yao and Shun. In 622 BC, the State of Liu was conquered by the powerful State of Chu. Following the tradition of the time, the displaced nobility and commoners adopted 'Liu' as their surname to commemorate their ancestral land. A secondary origin involves the Northern Wei Dynasty's ethnic integration policies; several non-Han tribes, particularly from the Xiongnu and Xianbei confederations, simplified their complex tribal names into the single-syllable 'Liu' during the systematic sinicization reforms led by Emperor Xiaowen.
What Does the Chinese Surname Liu Mean?
The character 'Liu' (六) literally translates to the number 'six' in Mandarin Chinese. In traditional Chinese culture, the number six is highly auspicious, often associated with the concept of 'smoothness' or 'fluidity,' as seen in the phrase 'Liu Liu Da Shun,' which expresses a wish for everything to proceed without obstacles. However, as a surname, its significance is deeply rooted in ancient geography and political history rather than numerical symbolism. It primarily stems from the ancient State of Liu, a small but significant polity located in the modern-day Anhui province. Over millennia, the surname has become exceptionally rare, yet it remains a testament to the complex tribal transitions and state-based naming conventions of early Chinese civilization. It embodies a historical link to the descendants of legendary figures who shaped early Chinese legal and social structures, maintaining a unique identity within the vast landscape of Chinese onomastics.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Liu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Liu | Mandarin |
| Luk | Cantonese |
| Liok | Hokkien |
| Lioq | Teochew |
| Lieu | Vietnamese variant |
Famous People With the Surname Liu
1. Liu Jia: A government official during the Han Dynasty known for his administrative capabilities and loyalty to the central government.
2. Liu Ben: A scholar recorded in historical annals for his contributions to local governance and the preservation of family lineage during the medieval period.
3. Liu Ding: A military figure from the Ming Dynasty who served with distinction in regional defense and was noted for his strategic insights.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 六 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Liu (六) mean?+
The character 'Liu' (六) literally translates to the number 'six' in Mandarin Chinese. In traditional Chinese culture, the number six is highly auspicious, often associated with the concept of 'smoothness' or 'fluidity,' as seen in the phrase 'Liu Liu Da Shun,' which expresses a wish for everything to proceed without obstacles. However, as a surname, its significance is deeply rooted in ancient geography and political history rather than numerical symbolism. It primarily stems from the ancient State of Liu, a small but significant polity located in the modern-day Anhui province. Over millennia, the surname has become exceptionally rare, yet it remains a testament to the complex tribal transitions and state-based naming conventions of early Chinese civilization. It embodies a historical link to the descendants of legendary figures who shaped early Chinese legal and social structures, maintaining a unique identity within the vast landscape of Chinese onomastics.
How common is the surname Liu?+
The surname Liu ranks approximately #599 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 六?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Liu. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Lyoh".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.