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
Les origines du nom de famille Zhao remontent à la dynastie des Zhou occidentaux (v. 1046-771 av. J.-C.). On dit que le roi Mu de Zhou a accordé le fief de Zhao (situé dans l'actuel comté de Hongdong, province du Shanxi) à son habile charretier, Zaofu, en récompense de sa bravoure et de sa loyauté. Les descendants de Zaofu ont adopté le nom du fief comme nom de clan. Ce clan a ensuite établi l'État de Zhao, qui est devenu l'une des sept puissances dominantes pendant la période des Royaumes combattants. Après la conquête de l'État de Zhao par la dynastie Qin en 228 av. J.-C., ses habitants ont continué à utiliser ce nom. Une deuxième vague d'importance majeure s'est produite lorsque Zhao Kuangyin a fondé la dynastie Song, faisant de Zhao le nom le plus prestigieux de Chine pendant trois siècles.
What Does the Chinese Surname Zhao Mean?
Le nom de famille Zhao (赵) est profondément ancré dans l'histoire et la culture chinoises. Étymologiquement, le caractère est composé d'éléments suggérant le mouvement et la rapidité, se référant à l'origine à une démarche de marche rapide ou au fait de surpasser les autres. Historiquement, il est passé d'une désignation géographique au titre d'une maison noble. Il a acquis un prestige immense en tant que nom de famille impérial de la dynastie Song (960-1279 après J.-C.). En raison de ce lien royal, Zhao est classé au premier rang des 'Cent noms de famille' (Baijiaxing). Il symbolise la noblesse, le leadership et l'agilité. Aujourd'hui, il reste l'un des noms les plus courants et respectés de la sphère chinoise, représentant une lignée qui a produit de nombreux empereurs, généraux et érudits.
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 : Un général légendaire de l'État de Shu Han pendant la période des Trois Royaumes, célébré pour sa bravoure sans égale et sa loyauté inébranlable.
2. Zhao Kuangyin : Également connu sous le nom d'empereur Taizu de Song, il fut le fondateur de la dynastie Song qui a réussi à unifier la Chine et à privilégier l'administration civile sur le régime militaire.
3. Zhao Mengfu : Un brillant érudit, peintre et calligraphe de la dynastie Yuan dont l'œuvre a mené un renouveau classiciste et a profondément influencé l'histoire de l'art chinois ultérieur.
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.
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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.