卓
Zhuo
Pronounced like: "Jwor"
Other Spellings: Toh, Chok, Cheok, Cho, Trác
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Zhuo Family Name
The primary origin of the Zhuo surname traces back to the State of Chu during the Warring States period. It is derived from the Mi (芈) royal lineage. Specifically, the descendants of Zhuo, a grandson of King Wei of Chu, adopted their ancestor's name as their surname to commemorate his status. Another significant source is from Zhuo Mao, a renowned official during the Han Dynasty, whose descendants flourished in the Nanyang region. Over centuries, the surname integrated various ethnic groups, including the Manchu and Tujia people, who adopted the name during periods of cultural fusion. Historically, the Nanyang region remains the most prominent ancestral home for the Zhuo clan.
What Does the Chinese Surname Zhuo Mean?
The character 'Zhuo' (卓) originally symbolized a high or lofty position. In modern linguistic contexts, it signifies excellence, distinction, and being outstanding or superior. It conveys a sense of rising above the ordinary, often used to describe noble character, profound wisdom, or remarkable achievements. Metaphorically, it represents a standard of brilliance and leadership, suggesting that the bearer comes from a lineage of individuals who aspire to greatness and maintain high moral or intellectual standards. It is a surname that carries a positive connotation of being 'eminent' or 'extraordinary' within Chinese culture, reflecting a heritage of merit and distinction.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Zhuo
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Toh | Hokkien |
| Chok | Cantonese |
| Cheok | Macau |
| Cho | Korean |
| Trác | Vietnamese |
Famous People With the Surname Zhuo
1. Zhuo Wenjun (Western Han Dynasty): A legendary poet and musician celebrated for her talent and her romantic elopement with Sima Xiangru, symbolizing courage in seeking love and independence.
2. Zhuo Mao (Eastern Han Dynasty): A highly respected official known for his benevolent governance and extreme integrity, eventually serving as a Grand Tutor under Emperor Guangwu.
3. Zhuo Yanming (Five Dynasties period): Originally a Buddhist monk in the Min State, he was briefly proclaimed emperor by rebellious troops due to his perceived divine aura, though his reign was short-lived.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 卓 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 Zhuo (卓) mean?+
The character 'Zhuo' (卓) originally symbolized a high or lofty position. In modern linguistic contexts, it signifies excellence, distinction, and being outstanding or superior. It conveys a sense of rising above the ordinary, often used to describe noble character, profound wisdom, or remarkable achievements. Metaphorically, it represents a standard of brilliance and leadership, suggesting that the bearer comes from a lineage of individuals who aspire to greatness and maintain high moral or intellectual standards. It is a surname that carries a positive connotation of being 'eminent' or 'extraordinary' within Chinese culture, reflecting a heritage of merit and distinction.
How common is the surname Zhuo?+
The surname Zhuo ranks approximately #256 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 卓?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Zhuo. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Jwor".
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.