劳LaoSurname
Láo
Lao (劳) means 'labor' or 'toil'. It reflects the value of hard work and diligence. Although not very common, it has a long history.
Láo
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#347
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong
Five Element Analysis
Wood
growth, vitality, and kindness
Origin & History
The Lao surname originated from the ancient state of Lao during the Zhou Dynasty. It is also derived from the personal name of a legendary figure, Lao Tong, a descendant of the Yellow Emperor.
Surname Evolution
The Lao surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Lao clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Lao surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Yantai area, Shandong. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Donglai Commandery (东莱郡) — Modern-day Yantai area, Shandong Province
Hall Title
世德堂 (Lao Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Lao Clan Ancestral Hall in Donglai — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Lao family. The hall serves as a gathering place for clan descendants during traditional festivals such as Qingming and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
诗书传家，礼仪继世 — Poetry and learning pass through the family; courtesy and propriety continue.
Tone Compatibility
Lao (Láo) is a 2nd tone (rising) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and secure
vast and auspicious
ambition that soars
Patterns to Avoid
Each digit is a tone (1=level, 2=rising, 3=dipping, 4=falling). The first is the surname tone; the next two are the given name's tones.
Example Names with Lao
Your Lao Family Legend
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What does the surname Lao mean in Chinese?
Lao (劳) means 'labor' or 'toil'. It reflects the value of hard work and diligence. Although not very common, it has a long history.
Where does the Lao surname originate from?
The Lao surname originated from the ancient state of Lao during the Zhou Dynasty. It is also derived from the personal name of a noble named Lao, who was a descendant of the legendary emperor Zhuanxu.
Who are some famous people with the surname Lao?
1. Lao She (writer, author of 'Rickshaw Boy'). 2. Lao Tzu (philosopher, founder of Taoism). 3. Lao Ai (eunuch from the Qin Dynasty).
What given names go well with the surname Lao?
Names that pair well with Lao often emphasize wisdom or tranquility, like 'Jing' (quiet) or 'Zhi' (wisdom). For example, Lao Jing (劳静) or Lao Zhi (劳智) balance the laborious surname with peaceful virtues.