劳
Traditional: 勞
Lao
Pronounced like: "Lao (rhymes with 'how')"
Other Spellings: Lao, Lou, Lo, Lau
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Lao Family Name
Les origines du nom de famille Lao sont multiples. La branche principale est d'origine géographique, provenant du mont Lao (Laoshan) dans l'actuelle province du Shandong. Dans l'Antiquité, les habitants résidant autour de ce monument ont adopté le nom de la montagne comme nom de famille. Une deuxième origine majeure remonte à la période des Printemps et Automnes dans l'État de Qi, où existait un district ou une ville nommé 'Lao' ; ses habitants ont pris le nom du lieu pour distinguer leur clan. En outre, il existe une composante ethnique impliquant la sinisation du peuple Xianbei pendant la dynastie des Wei du Nord. Plus précisément, le clan 'Gulao' (孤劳) a raccourci son nom en 'Lao' dans le cadre des réformes de l'empereur Xiaowen. Ces divers parcours se sont finalement fondus dans le nom de famille chinois Han moderne que nous connaissons aujourd'hui.
What Does the Chinese Surname Lao Mean?
Le nom de famille 'Lao' (劳) se traduit fondamentalement par 'travail', 'labeur' ou 'dur labeur'. Étymologiquement, le caractère est composé de composants représentant le feu et la force, symbolisant la dépense d'énergie ou l'intensité de l'effort physique. Historiquement, il revêt une double signification : il se réfère non seulement à l'acte de travailler dur, mais aussi au concept de 'service méritoire' et de 'récompense des diligents'. Il représente une lignée associée à la persévérance, à la réussite par l'effort et à la reconnaissance par l'État de ceux qui ont contribué de manière significative à la société par leur travail physique ou intellectuel. Dans de nombreux contextes classiques, le nom est également lié à l'idée de 'réconforter' ou d' 'encourager' les soldats ou les travailleurs, suggérant un bagage de leadership et d'empathie.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Lao
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Lao | Mandarin |
| Lou | Cantonese |
| Lo | Cantonese variant |
| Lau | Hokkien |
| Lao | Vietnamese variant |
Famous People With the Surname Lao
1. Lao Chong (劳崇) : Un fonctionnaire de haut rang respecté sous la dynastie Han, connu pour son efficacité administrative et son intégrité morale.
2. Lao Kan (劳榦) : Un historien et académicien chinois distingué du XXe siècle qui a apporté des contributions significatives à l'étude de la dynastie Han.
3. Lao Lishi (劳丽诗) : Une plongeuse chinoise de classe mondiale et médaillée d'or olympique qui a acquis la célébrité aux Jeux d'Athènes en 2004 dans l'épreuve du haut-vol à 10 m synchronisé.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 劳 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 Lao (劳) mean?+
The surname 'Lao' (劳) fundamentally translates to 'labor', 'toil', or 'hard work' in English. Etymologically, the character is composed of components representing fire and strength, symbolizing the burning of energy or the intensity of physical effort. Historically, it carries a dual significance: it refers not only to the act of working hard but also to the concept of 'meritorious service' and 'rewarding the diligent'. It represents a lineage associated with perseverance, achievement through effort, and the state’s recognition of those who have contributed significantly to society through their physical or intellectual labor. In many classical contexts, the name is also linked to the idea of 'comforting' or 'encouraging' soldiers or workers, suggesting a background of leadership and empathy.
How common is the surname Lao?+
The surname Lao ranks approximately #280 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 劳?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Lao. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Lao (rhymes with 'how')".
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.