YAU
Yau
Yau is a British surname of Chinese origin. The name is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly among the British Chinese community.
Origin
Yau is derived from Cantonese pronunciation of the same Chinese character, meaning “soft” or “tender”. It is a common surname among the Cantonese-speaking population.
Distribution
The surname Yau is relatively rare in the UK compared to more common British surnames. It is mainly concentrated in urban areas with significant Chinese populations, such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Notable Individuals
- David Yau Yau: A South Sudanese politician and former rebel leader.
- Lo Wai Yau: A British actor known for his roles in Chinese cinemas.
Cultural Significance
The presence of the Yau surname in Britain reflects the rich cultural diversity and historical ties between the UK and China. It serves as a reminder of the contributions made by the British Chinese community to the social fabric of the country.
Overall, the surname Yau represents a fusion of British and Chinese heritage, reflecting the multicultural nature of modern British society.
There are approximately 2,748 people named Yau in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,252nd most common surname in Britain. Around 42 in a million people in Britain are named Yau.
Region of origin: Asia
Country of origin: China
Language of origin: Chinese
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- Chi
- Chun
- David
- Kenneth
- Kwok
- Man
- Raymond
- Wai
- Yuk
Female
- Amy
- Jennifer
- Kam
- Kim
- Lai
- Lisa
- Mei
- Sau
- Wai
- Wan
- Wing
- Yee
- Yuen
- Yuk