Chiu is a Cantonese romanization of several Chinese surnames, most commonly of Zhao (趙), as well as Zhang (張, via Hokkien), Zhou (周, via Hokkien), Qiu (丘/邱/秋/仇, from Wade–Giles), and others. While the exact surname intended depends on the speaker's dialect and the character in question, in Cantonese contexts, Chiu almost always corresponds to Zhao (趙), a surname with deep historical roots. Origin and Etymology Zhao (趙) derives from the name of a city in what is now Shanxi province. According to Chinese legend, King Mu of Zhou granted the city to his chariot driver Zaofu, who adopted Zhao as his surname. Later, the state of Zhao (5th–3rd centuries BC) emerged from this city, becoming one of the seven major states during the Warring States period. It also served as the ruling dynasty of the Song dynasty (960–1279). The variant Chiu for Zhang (張) arises from the Hokkien (Min Nan) pronunciation, where <张> is read as Tiuⁿ or Tioⁿ, romanized as Teoh, Teo, or Chiu. Similarly, Zhou (周) in Hokkien is often romanized as Chew or similar, but also appears as Chiu. Independent of these, Chiu also represents the Wade–Giles romanization of Qiu (丘/邱/秋/仇) and other Mandarin surnames. Related Surnames and Cultural Variants Outside China, the same name appears in Korean as Cho (조) or Jo (조)—frequently used for the Chinese surname Zhao (趙) among ethnic Koreans. These forms share the historical legacy of the Zhao clan, its connection to Song dynasty royalty, and its widespread diaspora throughout East Asia. Notable Bearers Individuals named Chiu have achieved prominence in entertainment, sports, and academia. They include: Angie Chiu (b. 1954), a Hong Kong actress known for her roles in classic TVB dramas; Only Won (born Baldwin Chiu, 1974), an American musician and actor; Chiu Ban It (1918–2016), a Singaporean Anglican bishop who served as Bishop of Singapore. Other figures include Olympic-bound table tennis player Barbara Chiu (Canada), entrepreneur Ben Chiu (Taiwan-born American founder), track-and-field athlete Bertha Chiu (Mexican javelin thrower), and actress-singer Bondy Chiu (Hong Kong). Distribution and Legacy Due to historical emigration from the southern coastal provinces—where Cantonese, Hokkien, and Teochew dialects were spoken—stock Chiu appears widely in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, and among overseas Chinese global diaspora. Notable historical descendants include Zhao royalty, Song dynasty emperors, and scholars of the county of Qinghe. The name continues to serve as a living link to the classical periods of Chinese civilization. Meaning: For Zhao (趙): ruler of an ancient state; for other origins varies Origin: Chinese (Cantonese, Hokkien, Wade–Giles) Type: Surnam Usage: Chinese (particularly Cantonese- and Hokkien-speaking communities) Related forms: Cho, Jo (Korean); Teoh, Teo (Hokkien for Zhang)