Last Name Liew

The surname Liew is of Chinese origin. It is a common Chinese surname, which is derived from the Chinese characters "劉" or "刘" (Liu), meaning "kill" or "destroy". This surname is prevalent among Chinese people in various regions and has been used for many generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Liew

The meaning and origin of the last name Liew

The surname Liew is of Chinese origin and is derived from the Cantonese pronunciation of the Chinese character Liu. The character Liu can have various meanings, such as 𩺽 meaning willow or 柳 meaning a surname. In Chinese culture, the surname Liu is one of the most common surnames and is associated with status and success. The surname Liew may have been anglicized or romanized from its original Chinese form, as is common with many Chinese surnames among Chinese immigrants. Today, people with the surname Liew can be found in various countries around the world, including China, Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Asia, as well as in Western countries where Chinese immigration has occurred.

Geographical distribution of the last name Liew

The last name Liew is most commonly found in Malaysia and Singapore, where it is of Chinese origin. In Malaysia, the Liew surname is particularly prevalent among the Chinese population, with a significant presence in states such as Penang, Johor, Selangor, and Perak. Similarly, in Singapore, individuals with the last name Liew can be found predominantly among the Chinese community. Outside of Asia, the surname Liew is also present in countries such as Australia, the United States, and Canada, due to migration and diaspora from Southeast Asia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Liew reflects the historical movement of Chinese populations across the region and the world, resulting in a diverse and widespread presence of individuals with this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Liew

The last name Liew can be spelled in various ways and have multiple variations. Some common spellings include Liu, Lu, Liou, Lieu, Liaw, Liao, and Liou. These variations may stem from regional differences in pronunciation or transliteration. In certain cases, the spelling may also be influenced by the immigration or migration history of the family carrying the last name. Additionally, the last name Liew may also be spelled with different accents or diacritical marks depending on the language or script in which it is written. Despite these variations in spelling, the last name Liew typically retains its distinct phonetic sound and meaning across different cultures and languages, reflecting the unique identity and heritage of those who bear the name.

Famous people with the last name Liew

One famous individual with the last name Liew is Yeo Bee Yin, a Malaysian politician who served as the Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change from 2018 to 2020. Another notable figure is Sonny Liew, a Singaporean comic book artist and illustrator known for his work on titles such as The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, which won him multiple Eisner Awards. Additionally, Tiong Jin Yan Liew, also known as TJ Liew, is a prominent Malaysian architect and designer known for his innovative and sustainable architectural projects. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have garnered recognition for their talents and accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Liew

The surname Liew is of Chinese origin and can be found primarily among the Han Chinese population. The Liew family name can be traced back to ancient China, with records indicating its presence as early as the Zhou Dynasty. The name may have originated from the Chinese character "刘," which can be translated to mean "kill" or "destroy," suggesting a potential military or authoritative lineage. Throughout history, individuals with the surname Liew have been documented in various regions of China, often holding prominent positions in society. Today, the name Liew is still prevalent in Chinese communities worldwide, with variations in spelling and pronunciation depending on the region. Genealogical research on the Liew family name can provide insight into Chinese history, culture, and the migration patterns of its bearers over the centuries.

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