NameCensus.

UK surname

Yao

A Chinese surname derived from the name of an ancient state or referring to a kiln or pottery maker.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Barnet, Islington and Liverpool.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Yao is 289 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

285

2016, ranked #15,286

Peak year

2014

289 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 285 in 2016, ranked #15,286.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Yao surname distribution map

The map shows where the Yao surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Yao surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Yao over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1997 modern 49 #32,776
1998 modern 48 #33,111
1999 modern 53 #32,746
2000 modern 69 #31,273
2001 modern 76 #30,366
2002 modern 93 #28,920
2003 modern 101 #27,561
2004 modern 106 #27,045
2005 modern 126 #24,287
2006 modern 148 #22,111
2007 modern 167 #20,719
2008 modern 176 #20,224
2009 modern 201 #18,965
2010 modern 232 #17,657
2011 modern 221 #18,039
2012 modern 278 #15,333
2013 modern 287 #15,224
2014 modern 289 #15,251
2015 modern 281 #15,457
2016 modern 285 #15,286

Geography

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Where Yaos are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Barnet, Islington, Liverpool, Huntingdonshire and Croydon. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Barnet 024 Barnet
2 Islington 017 Islington
3 Liverpool 043 Liverpool
4 Huntingdonshire 008 Huntingdonshire
5 Croydon 039 Croydon

Forenames

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First names often paired with Yao

These lists show first names that appear often with the Yao surname in historical and recent records.

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Yao

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Yao, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Yao surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Yao household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Yao is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Yao is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Yao falls in decile 3 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Yao is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Chinese

This describes the area pattern most associated with Yao, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Yao

The surname Yao has its origins in China, where it can be traced back to ancient times. It is believed to have derived from the Chinese word "yao," which means "lofty" or "elevated." The surname was initially associated with people living in mountainous regions or those who held high positions in society.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Yao surname dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), where it was mentioned in historical texts and official records. During this period, the name was particularly prevalent in the regions of Shaanxi, Henan, and Shandong provinces.

In the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), the Yao surname gained prominence, and several notable figures bearing this name emerged. One such individual was Yao Shu (1201-1278), a renowned scholar and philosopher who made significant contributions to the Neo-Confucian movement.

The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) saw the rise of Yao Guang (1337-1418), a prominent military leader and statesman who played a crucial role in the founding of the Ming Dynasty. His exploits and achievements were well documented in historical accounts.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the Yao surname continued to flourish, with several influential figures leaving their mark. Yao Xueyin (1610-1696) was a prominent scholar and writer who authored several influential works on literature and philosophy.

Another notable figure from this period was Yao Ying (1853-1900), a high-ranking official and military leader who played a pivotal role in the Boxer Rebellion. His bravery and leadership during this tumultuous time were widely praised.

In more recent history, the Yao surname has continued to produce notable individuals across various fields. Yao Ming (born 1980) is a former professional basketball player who gained international recognition for his exceptional talent and accomplishments in the NBA.

It is worth noting that the Yao surname has also been associated with various place names throughout China's history. For example, Yaoxian County in Shaanxi Province and Yaocun Village in Shandong Province bear the name, indicating the presence of Yao families in these regions.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Yao surname: questions and answers

How common is the Yao surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 285 in 2016. That gives Yao a modern rank of #15,286.

What does the Yao surname mean?

A Chinese surname derived from the name of an ancient state or referring to a kiln or pottery maker.

What does the Yao map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Yao bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.