Surname Overview
The Dao surname has multiple origins and occurs among the Han people, southwestern groups, and some northern peoples in ancient and modern times.
Dao Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 100,072Dao / Dao
Origins
Han Origins
Han Dao lineages are recorded from three origins: descendants of Dao Fang in the Shang period, descendants of the Shu figure Dao Kui or Dao Da who changed to Li during refuge and later returned to Dao, and descendants of the Qi official and eunuch Shu Dao.
Dai Development
Among the Dai, Dao is usually pronounced dāo. Related transcriptions include forms meaning master, lord, headman, king, or honored person. Names beginning with Dao appeared in the Xishuangbanna Tai Lü area during the Southern Song, and the term gradually became a Dai surname after the Ming period.
Historical Records
Baekje Record
The Book of Sui records Dao as one of the eight prominent clans of Baekje.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies and Halls
Recorded hall names include Bohai Hall and Nandian Hall, with Nandian Hall also called Tengchong Hall.
Migration and Distribution
Modern Distribution
Today, the Dao surname is concentrated in Yunnan, especially in Pu'er, Yuxi, Xishuangbanna, Dehong, and Lincang.
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Surname attestation references
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