赵
Traditional: 趙
Zhao
Pronounced like: "Jow (rhymes with 'now')"
Other Spellings: Chiu, Chao, Tiu, Djeu, Trieu
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Zhao Family Name
The origins of the Zhao surname trace back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–771 BC). It is said that King Mu of Zhou granted the fief of Zhao (located in modern-day Hongdong County, Shanxi Province) to his skilled charioteer, Zaofu, as a reward for his bravery and loyalty during a military expedition. Zaofu’s descendants adopted the name of the fief as their clan name. This clan later established the State of Zhao, which became one of the seven dominant powers during the Warring States period. After the State of Zhao was conquered by the Qin Dynasty in 228 BC, its people continued to use the name to honor their heritage. A second major surge in the surname's prominence occurred when Zhao Kuangyin founded the Song Dynasty, making Zhao the most prestigious surname in China for over three centuries.
What Does the Chinese Surname Zhao Mean?
The surname Zhao (赵) is deeply embedded in Chinese history and culture. Etymologically, the character is composed of components suggesting movement and swiftness, originally referring to a quick-walking gait or to surpass others. Historically, it evolved from a geographical designation to a noble house's title. It gained immense prestige as the imperial surname of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). Because of this royal connection, Zhao is famously listed as the first surname in the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing), a classic Chinese text. It symbolizes nobility, leadership, and agility. Today, it remains one of the most common and respected surnames in the Sinosphere, representing a lineage that has produced numerous emperors, generals, and scholars over three millennia of recorded history.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Zhao
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Chiu | Cantonese |
| Chao | Wade-Giles |
| Tiu | Hokkien |
| Djeu | Shanghainese |
| Trieu | Vietnamese |
Famous People With the Surname Zhao
1. Zhao Yun: A legendary military general of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period, celebrated for his peerless bravery and unwavering loyalty.
2. Zhao Kuangyin: Also known as Emperor Taizu of Song, he was the founder of the Song Dynasty who successfully unified China and prioritized civil administration over military rule.
3. Zhao Mengfu: A brilliant scholar, painter, and calligrapher of the Yuan Dynasty whose work led a classicist revival and profoundly influenced later Chinese art history.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 赵 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.
Perfect Names to Pair with Zhao
Explore Related Surnames
Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Zhao (赵) mean?+
The surname Zhao (赵) is deeply embedded in Chinese history and culture. Etymologically, the character is composed of components suggesting movement and swiftness, originally referring to a quick-walking gait or to surpass others. Historically, it evolved from a geographical designation to a noble house's title. It gained immense prestige as the imperial surname of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). Because of this royal connection, Zhao is famously listed as the first surname in the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing), a classic Chinese text. It symbolizes nobility, leadership, and agility. Today, it remains one of the most common and respected surnames in the Sinosphere, representing a lineage that has produced numerous emperors, generals, and scholars over three millennia of recorded history.
How common is the surname Zhao?+
The surname Zhao ranks approximately #8 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 赵?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Zhao. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Jow (rhymes with 'now')".
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.