Interpretation of the Lao (劳) Clan Totem

【Meaning】

Lao (劳) literally means "to labor" or "to work." Its original meaning refers to the exertion of great effort, diligence, and hard work. When used as a geographic name, it is interchangeable with the character 崂 (Láo), referring to a mountain.

【Origin】

The Lao surname is derived from the name of a mountain. On the eastern coast of present-day Qingdao, Shandong Province, lies the famous scenic landmark Mount Lao (Laoshan). In ancient times, this mountain was written as 劳山 (Mount Lao). The people living on Mount Lao existed within their own self-sufficient social system for centuries. It was not until the Western Han Dynasty that they began to interact with the outside world and were officially recognized as subjects of the Han Dynasty. At that time, the Han imperial government bestowed the surname Lao (劳) upon them, which has been passed down through generations.

Clan Heritage Profile

Category

Details

First Ancestors (Patriarchs)

The People of Mount Lao

Ancestral Homeland

Mount Lao, Qingdao, Shandong Province

Prefectural Seats & Hall Names

Wuyang, Songyang, Bohai; Huairen Hall (Cherishing Benevolence)

Modern Ranking / Population

Ranked 276th / Approx. 259,000

Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank

Unknown / Not listed

Extant Genealogies

18 volumes