Find out how popular the last name Yiu is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Yiu.

Yiu, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Yiu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yiu in America

Yiu is the 23899th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yiu surname appeared 1,056 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Yiu.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yiu to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Yiu

The surname Yiu has its origins in the Chinese-speaking regions, specifically in southern China and Hong Kong. It is commonly found among Cantonese-speaking populations. The surname Yiu is written in Chinese as 姚, and its history can be traced back to ancient China. The character 姚 has roots in the Old Chinese word "yáo," which refers to something tall or lofty. This character was used historically to denote people who exemplified high status or noble characteristics.

The earliest records of the surname Yiu appear in historical manuscripts during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). The Chinese character 姚 appears in various historical texts and was associated with prominent families and individuals in ancient Chinese society. For example, Yiu Shi, a scholar during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), is documented in ancient texts for his contributions to literature and philosophy.

Over the centuries, the family name Yiu spread geographically, mainly due to migration and population movements. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE), the Yiu family established themselves in several regions across southern China. Yiu An, a military general born in 1402 and died in 1468, was known for his bravery and strategic acumen in defending the southern borders during this period.

In more recent history, individuals with the surname Yiu have made significant contributions to various fields. Yiu Siu Ling, born in 1923 and passed away in 1998, was a renowned Cantonese opera performer in Hong Kong. Her performances were celebrated, and she played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of traditional Cantonese opera.

Another prominent figure is Yiu Wing Chung, an influential entrepreneur in the 20th century. Born in 1945, he founded several successful businesses in Hong Kong and was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education. His work helped in constructing schools and providing scholarships to underprivileged students.

In the academic field, Yiu Kui Sen, born in 1951, is a respected physicist who has authored numerous research papers. His contributions to the field of quantum mechanics have been recognized internationally, and he has received multiple awards for his groundbreaking work.

Yiu Cheuk Yin, a prolific artist born in 1963, has gained international acclaim for his contributions to contemporary art. His works are exhibited in galleries around the world and are known for their deep exploration of cultural identity and social issues.

Lastly, Yiu Chung Man, a dedicated environmentalist born in 1970, has worked tirelessly to advocate for sustainable development and environmental conservation in Asia. His efforts have led to significant policy changes and increased awareness about environmental issues in the region.

Through the centuries, the Yiu surname has been carried by individuals who have made significant impacts in literature, military, performing arts, business, science, and environmental conservation. The surname continues to be a symbol of heritage and contribution, maintaining its historical and cultural significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yiu

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Yiu.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Yiu was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Yiu has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Yiu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Yiu, please contact us.

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