The surname Dao, also spelled as Tao, is of Chinese origin. It is one of the most common surnames in China and is among the "Hundred Family Surnames" that have a long history in Chinese culture.
The character "Dao" or "Tao" (道) in Chinese means "way" or "path". In ancient China, it was used as a title for philosophers, sages, or spiritual masters who were believed to have discovered the way or principle of the universe. Over time, this title evolved into a surname.
However, it's important to note that the specific origins of individual families with the Dao surname can vary greatly, as Chinese surnames often have different histories and stories associated with them within each family or clan.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Dao
The meaning and origin of the last name Dao
The surname Dao is of Chinese origin, specifically from the Han ethnic group. It is written as 陶 (pinyin: Táo) in the Hanyu Pinyin system and is one of the oldest Chinese family names, dating back over 4,000 years to the Shang Dynasty. The name is believed to be associated with pottery or ceramics, as its character "陶" is related to the word for "clay" or "pottery" in Chinese. Throughout history, many individuals bearing this surname have made significant contributions to various fields, including art, politics, and literature, contributing to its widespread recognition. Notably, Daoist philosophy, one of China's major philosophies, was not named after the family name but is derived from the word for "mystery" or "secret" in Chinese.
Geographical distribution of the last name Dao
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Variants and spellings of the last name Dao
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Famous people with the last name Dao
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Genealogical research on the last name Dao
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