What is the origin of the last name Labao?

The surname Labao is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "labi" which means "skin." In the Philippines, it was a common practice for surnames to be derived from physical characteristics, occupations, or geographical locations. In this case, Labao may have originally been used as a nickname referring to someone with rough or leathery skin, and eventually became a hereditary surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Labao

The meaning and origin of the last name Labao

The surname Labao is of Filipino origin, specifically from the Tagalog language, which is one of the major languages spoken in the Philippines. The name Labao is derived from the Tagalog word "laba-o," meaning "white cloth." This surname may have been originally used as a nickname for someone who wore white clothing frequently or had a distinctive white piece of fabric associated with them. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations within Filipino families. The exact origin of the Labao family is not well-documented, but it is one of the many indigenous surnames found in the Philippines.

Geographical distribution of the last name Labao

The surname Labao is predominantly found in the Philippines, particularly in the central and southern regions of Luzon island. Specifically, it has a significant presence in provinces like Pangasinan, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, and Quezon. The name also appears with lesser frequency in other parts of the Philippines, indicating possible migration from the central and southern Luzon region. While Labao is primarily Filipino, there may be occasional instances where individuals carrying this surname originate from other countries due to immigration or historical connections with the Philippines. However, the majority of individuals with the last name Labao can be traced back to the geographical regions mentioned above in the Philippines.

Variants and spellings of the last name Labao

The surname Labao has several variations and spellings in different contexts, often due to differences in regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference. Some common variations of the last name Labao include:

1. Labaw
2. LaBao (with a capitalized first letter B)
3. Labo
4. Labaou
5. Labaw-Dineros (a compound surname)
6. De Labao (prefixed with de, which is a Spanish honorific)
7. Labajo (a typographical error or alternative spelling)
8. La Baou (French-style spelling)
9. Labau (an abbreviated or simplified form)
10. Labauw (a Dutch-style spelling)

These variations may be found in different parts of the world, particularly where individuals with Filipino ancestry reside, as the surname Labao originates from the Philippines. It is essential to note that these alternative spellings do not necessarily indicate a change in pronunciation for every individual carrying these versions of the name.

Famous people with the last name Labao

Notable individuals sharing the surname Labao include:

1. Ariel Labao, a Filipino politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives representing the first district of Zamboanga del Sur from 2007 to 2016.

2. Edwin Labao, a prominent Filipino conductor and music educator who founded the Philippine Madrigal Singers, an acclaimed choral group in the Philippines.

3. Rica Peralejo-Labao, a popular Filipina actress and television host who has won various awards in her career spanning over two decades.

4. Romeo Labajo Labao, a Filipino engineer and academic who is currently the president of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

5. Teddy Labao, a Filipino journalist and editor-in-chief of The Philippine Star, one of the largest daily newspapers in the Philippines.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, music, acting, academia, and journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Labao

The surname Labao is primarily of Filipino origin, with roots traceable to various regions across the Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistical Authority's Surnames Project, Labao ranks among the top 3,000 most common surnames in the country.

One notable historical figure bearing the name was General Tomas Labao, who played a significant role during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule in the late 19th century. He served as a general under President Emilio Aguinaldo and participated in several key battles.

The surname may have originated from various places like Labao town in Pangasinan, or Labao Island in Palawan, where families with the name have historically resided. The migration of people carrying the Labao surname to other parts of the Philippines and subsequently to other countries, such as the United States, has resulted in a global dispersion of individuals bearing this surname today.

Genealogical research on the Labao family is an ongoing process that involves tracing ancestors and their lineages across generations, delving into historical records, vital statistics, oral histories, and traditional practices to understand the evolution and distribution of the name over time.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names