Get access to Diao family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Diao Family History

Diao Surname Meaning

Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 刁 meaning ‘trick’ in Chinese: (i) said to be adopted in place of the homophonous character Diao (雕) the name of a state during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) from the second element of the personal name Shu Diao (豎刁) personal name of a famous official during the reign of the Duke Huan of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 643 BC); or said to be borne by descendants of Diao Bo (貂勃 also written as 刁勃) an official and a hermit who lived in the state of Qi during the Warring States period (475–221 BC) who was said to be also a descendent of Shu Diao (豎刁).

(iii) also adopted in place of other surnames by some minority ethnic groups from Southwestern China. West African (Senegal and Burkina Faso): name of Fulani origin which corresponds to Dia.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022

Similar surnames:

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Where is the Diao family from?

You can see how Diao families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Diao family name was found in the USA in 1920. In 1920 there was 1 Diao family living in California. This was about 50% of all the recorded Diao's in USA. California and 1 other state had the highest population of Diao families in 1920.

Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Diao surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

View Census Data for Diao

What Diao family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 33 census records available for the last name Diao. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Diao census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Diao

Passenger Lists

There are 51 immigration records available for the last name Diao. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Diao immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 4 military records available for the last name Diao. For the veterans among your Diao ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Diao military records

You've only scratched the surface of Diao family history

Discover More

What is the average Diao lifespan?

Between 1971 and 1999, in the United States, Diao life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1996, and highest in 1971. The average life expectancy for Diao in 1971 was 77, and 61 in 1999.

Start a 14-Day Free Trial