Liao Clan｜The Liao Clan of Wuwei: A Hakka Émigré Surname｜The Surname Archive·SoChina

Key Nanyang Chinese SurnameCentral Plains Origin

OriginsOrigin

Main line: descended from the Ji (己) surname, from the ancient State of Liao — descendants dropped the grass radical to form Liao; the line of Shu An is another mainstream branch.

Multiple origins: several lines merged, with a well-developed Hakka genealogy.

Root point: the ancient State of Liao in Tanghe, Henan.

Migration RoutesMigration Routes

▸ Domestic migration: originated in the Central Plains; crossed south in the Wei–Jin era; took root in southern Jiangxi, western Fujian and eastern Guangdong in the Tang and Song — a classic major Hakka surname.

▸ Overseas branch: Hakka Liao from eastern Guangdong and western Fujian went to Nanyang in large numbers.

Cultural SymbolsCULTURAL SYMBOLS

CommanderyWuwei 武威

Hall NameWuwei Tang 武威堂

Family PreceptsPut filial piety and fraternal duty first; keep the clan in harmony

Ancient NotablesLiao Shu’an

Overseas Community Leaders[To be added]

Classic StoryThe Wuwei Legacy

✦

The Liao mainstream hall name is Wuwei Tang, tracing to the ancient State of Liao. The Hakka form the main body of Liao emigrants, and the Liao clan community in Malaysia is exceptionally active.