Traditional:

Zhao

Pronounced like: "Jow (rhymes with 'now')"

Other Spellings: Chiu, Chao, Tiu, Djeu, Trieu

Quick Facts

SurnameZhao ()
Traditional Form
Rank in China#8
Element (Wu Xing)Fire
Ancient RootYing (嬴)
Origin EraWestern Zhou Dynasty

Origin and History of the Zhao Family Name

Die Ursprünge des Nachnamens Zhao gehen auf die Westliche Zhou-Dynastie (ca. 1046–771 v. Chr.) zurück. Es heißt, dass König Mu von Zhou seinem geschickten Wagenlenker Zaofu das Lehen Zhao (im heutigen Kreis Hongdong, Provinz Shanxi) als Belohnung für seine Tapferkeit und Loyalität während einer Militärexpedition verlieh. Zaofus Nachkommen nahmen den Namen des Lehens als ihren Clannamen an. Dieser Clan gründete später den Staat Zhao, der während der Zeit der Streitenden Reiche zu einer der sieben dominierenden Mächte aufstieg. Nachdem der Staat Zhao 228 v. Chr. von der Qin-Dynastie erobert worden war, verwendeten die Menschen den Namen weiter, um ihr Erbe zu ehren. Ein zweiter bedeutender Anstieg der Prominenz des Nachnamens erfolgte, als Zhao Kuangyin die Song-Dynastie gründete.

What Does the Chinese Surname Zhao Mean?

Der Nachname Zhao (赵) ist tief in der chinesischen Geschichte und Kultur verwurzelt. Etymologisch setzt sich das Schriftzeichen aus Komponenten zusammen, die Bewegung und Schnelligkeit suggerieren und sich ursprünglich auf einen schnellen Gang oder das Übertreffen anderer bezogen. Historisch entwickelte er sich von einer geografischen Bezeichnung zum Titel eines Adelshauses. Er erlangte immense Bedeutung als kaiserlicher Nachname der Song-Dynastie (960–1279 n. Chr.). Aufgrund dieser königlichen Verbindung wird Zhao im klassischen Text 'Hundert Familiennamen' (Baijiaxing) an erster Stelle geführt. Er symbolisiert Adel, Führung und Agilität. Heute ist er einer der häufigsten und angesehensten Nachnamen in der Sinosphäre und repräsentiert eine Abstammungslinie, die in drei Jahrtausenden zahlreiche Kaiser, Generäle und Gelehrte hervorgebracht hat.

Global Pronunciation and Variants of Zhao

VariantPrimary Region
ChiuCantonese
ChaoWade-Giles
TiuHokkien
DjeuShanghainese
TrieuVietnamese

Famous People With the Surname Zhao

1. Zhao Yun: Ein legendärer General des Staates Shu Han während der Zeit der Drei Reiche, gefeiert für seine unvergleichliche Tapferkeit und unerschütterliche Loyalität.

2. Zhao Kuangyin: Auch bekannt als Kaiser Taizu von Song, war er der Gründer der Song-Dynastie, der China erfolgreich vereinte und die Zivilverwaltung über die Militärherrschaft stellte.

3. Zhao Mengfu: Ein brillanter Gelehrter, Maler und Kalligraf der Yuan-Dynastie, dessen Werk eine klassizistische Wiederbelebung anführte und die spätere chinesische Kunstgeschichte tief beeinflusste.

Clan Motto

Traditional clan mottos for the 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.

Looking for a Chinese Name with the Surname Zhao?

Use our intelligent generator to find a culturally authentic Chinese name tailored to your preferences.

Explore Related Surnames

Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BaZi and why does it matter for a Chinese name?+

BaZi (八字), or the Four Pillars of Destiny, is the traditional Chinese astrological framework based on your exact birth time. FindChineseName uses BaZi to calculate your Five Elements (Wu Xing) profile, ensuring your custom name provides astrological balance and cultural harmony.

Can I use a FindChineseName translation for official passports and visas?+

Yes. All premium names generated by FindChineseName are verified by native scholars to meet the strict linguistic and cultural standards required for official passports, international visas, and legal documentation.

How does your BaZi custom service differ from free AI translators?+

Free tools rely on literal phonetic translation, which often results in meaningless or culturally awkward names. The FindChineseName premium algorithm analyzes your BaZi chart to create a uniquely auspicious, highly personalized name rooted in classical Chinese literature.

Is my Chinese name safe and accurate enough for a tattoo?+

Absolutely. FindChineseName guarantees the structural integrity and cultural accuracy of your premium characters, completely eliminating the risk of permanent "translation fails" common with standard translation apps.

How does an authentic Chinese name impact business networking?+

A culturally resonant Chinese name demonstrates respect and builds immediate trust. FindChineseName crafts corporate-appropriate identities ideal for bilingual business cards, WeChat profiles, and professional communication in Chinese markets.

Will native Chinese speakers accept my name as authentic?+

Yes. Because the FindChineseName system integrates ancient literary sources (like the Book of Songs) with native linguistic rules, your name will sound completely natural, elegant, and sophisticated to any native speaker.

How long does the custom naming process take?+

FindChineseName provides instant delivery. Our proprietary cultural algorithm processes your astrological data and generates your comprehensive Premium Name Folio within seconds of checkout.

Do you explain the meaning behind the Chinese characters?+

Yes. Every premium delivery includes a detailed Name Folio. This document explicitly breaks down the Pinyin pronunciation, the historical origin, and the specific elemental (Wu Xing) value of each individual character.

Can the algorithm match my specific personal style or vibe?+

Yes. The FindChineseName platform allows you to align your astrological needs with specific aesthetic preferences, whether you require a name that is poetic, martial, scholarly, or business-focused.

Can I request a specific Chinese surname?+

By default, FindChineseName assigns a culturally compatible surname based on your profile. However, users have the full flexibility to adopt a specific family name if they have existing cultural ties or preferences.