 The Liao dynasty was officially known as the Khitan or Khitan state in 916 . The name " Great Liao " began to appear as the country name between 936 and 947 . The dynasty name " Liao " means " iron " , but it also refers to the Liao River in southern Manchuria , the traditional Khitan homeland . Since 983 the state became again known as the Khitan , but " Great Liao " reappeared as the country name in 1066 , which lasted until the end of the dynasty . 
