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
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 Ming, a retired Chinese professional basketball player and humanitarian. Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, a 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 name as Yao Chung-jen), a Taiwanese rap artist known for his use of explicit lyrics in his songs. Yao Beina, a famous Chinese singer. Yao Chen, a famous Chinese actress. Yao Jen-to, Vice Chairperson and Secretary-General of Straits Exchange Foundation of the Republic of China Yao Leeh-ter, Political Deputy Minister of Education of the Republic of China (2017–2019) Yao Mingming, Former member of K-pop group BLK and C-pop Group UNINE Yao Wenlong, Malaysia born Singapore actor
Yiu
Claire Yiu, a Hong Kong actress. Edward Yiu, a Hong Kong scholar and politician. Raymond Yiu, a Hong Kong composer. Yiu Cheuk Yin, a Hong Kong footballer. Yiu Ho Ming, a Hong Kong footballer. Yiu Si-wing, a Hong Kong lawmaker. Chantel Yiu, a Hong Kong singer and actress. Yeow Yeow Chai Tiam, Malaysian politician.