召
Zhao
Pronounced like: "Jao"
Other Spellings: Shao, Chao, Siu, Seio, Shau
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Zhao Family Name
The origin of the surname Zhao (召) is primarily traced back to the Ji (姬) family, the royal clan of the Zhou Dynasty. The progenitor is widely recognized as Zhao Gong Shi (the Duke of Shao), whose name was Ji Shi. He was a son of King Wen of Zhou and a brother to King Wu. After the establishment of the Western Zhou Dynasty, Ji Shi was granted the fief of Shao (located in present-day Qishan, Shaanxi). Due to his immense contributions to the state and his role as a regent, his descendants adopted the name of the fief as their surname to honor his legacy. During the Spring and Autumn Period, as the clan expanded, some branches added the 'city' radical to the character, forming the surname 'Shao' (邵). However, those who retained '召' represent the direct ancestral line of the original ducal house.
What Does the Chinese Surname Zhao Mean?
The Chinese character '召' (Zhào) primarily denotes the act of summoning, calling upon, or inviting someone to attend. In an ancient etymological context, it depicts a mouth combined with a hand gesture, signifying an official command or an invitation from a superior. As a surname, it is deeply rooted in the concept of authority and communication. It is inextricably linked to the place name 'Shao' (召), which was a significant fief during the early Zhou Dynasty. Over centuries, this surname has come to represent a lineage associated with loyalty, governance, and the high-ranking officials who served the imperial court. It is often considered the ancestral root of the more common surname 'Shao' (邵), though '召' remains a distinct and historically prestigious marker of identity.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Zhao
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Shao | Standard Pinyin |
| Chao | Wade-Giles |
| Siu | Cantonese |
| Seio | Hokkien |
| Shau | Regional Variant |
Famous People With the Surname Zhao
1. Zhao Gong Shi: Also known as the Duke of Shao, he was a foundational statesman of the Western Zhou Dynasty who co-governed the empire alongside the Duke of Zhou and was famous for his benevolence under the wild pear tree.
2. Zhao Hu: Known as Duke Mu of Shao, he was a prominent minister during the reign of King Li of Zhou, credited with saving the crown prince during a rebellion and helping initiate the Gonghe Regency.
3. Zhao Xin: A military figure during the Western Han Dynasty who initially served the Xiongnu but later defected to the Han, playing a complex role in the frontier conflicts between the two powers.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 召 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Zhao (召) mean?+
The Chinese character '召' (Zhào) primarily denotes the act of summoning, calling upon, or inviting someone to attend. In an ancient etymological context, it depicts a mouth combined with a hand gesture, signifying an official command or an invitation from a superior. As a surname, it is deeply rooted in the concept of authority and communication. It is inextricably linked to the place name 'Shao' (召), which was a significant fief during the early Zhou Dynasty. Over centuries, this surname has come to represent a lineage associated with loyalty, governance, and the high-ranking officials who served the imperial court. It is often considered the ancestral root of the more common surname 'Shao' (邵), though '召' remains a distinct and historically prestigious marker of identity.
How common is the surname Zhao?+
The surname Zhao ranks approximately #599 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 召?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Zhao. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Jao".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.