Liau

Liau is a surname of Chinese origin. It is a romanization used for the Chinese surname 廖, a relatively common family name across Chinese-speaking communities. The spelling Liau is associated with certain southern dialects and with overseas populations, whereas the Mandarin spelling is typically rendered Liao in pinyin.

Origins and history: The character 廖 is ancient and has multiple ancestral lineages. As with many Chinese surnames, individuals with the surname Liau traditionally traced their origins to clan groups, place-based designations, or historical lineages recorded in local histories. No single origin claim applies to all bearers of the name, and different families may have distinct genealogical stories.

Geographic distribution: Today the surname Liau is found among Chinese communities in Taiwan and in overseas Chinese populations in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. The form Liao is more common in contexts that use standard Mandarin romanization, such as mainland China and many international databases.

Romanization and variants: Liau represents one romanization of the surname 廖. Regional practices vary, and the name may appear in other spellings depending on dialect, country of residence, and the transliteration system chosen by families or institutions.

See also: 廖 family name; List of Chinese surnames; Liao.