Surname Overview
Ancestral Founder
Liao Shuan is regarded as the founding ancestor of the Liao surname. His descendants were enfeoffed in the state of Liao and later adopted the state name as their surname.
Liao Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 4,115,605Liao / Liao
Origins
Main Origins
The main origins of the Liao surname include the Si, Ji, and Yan-surname Gao lineages, adopting a state name, a fief name, or a state name respectively.
Historical Records
Documentary Records
The Zuo Zhuan, under Duke Zhao 29, and Fengsu Tong record that Shuan was enfeoffed in the state of Liao and that his descendants adopted Liao as their surname.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies and Hall Names
The Liao lineage has Runnan and Julu as commanderies of prominence; Wuwei Hall is described as the most widely transmitted and most populous hall name.
Migration and Distribution
Present Distribution
The Liao population is mainly concentrated in Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hunan, and Sichuan. Guangdong is its largest provincial concentration, and three population centers are identified: Yue-Gui-Xiang, Sichuan, and Min-Tai.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Liao Hua served Shu Han as governor of Yidu, General of the Right Cavalry, and concurrent governor of Bingzhou, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Zhongxiang. Liao Gang was a Song official who served as Minister of Works.
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