Meaning & History
Zhao ( traditional Chinese: 趙; simplified Chinese: 赵; pinyin: Zhào) is one of the most common Chinese surnames, ranking near the top of the Hundred Family Surnames list. The surname traces its origins to an ancient city-state located in what is now Hongdong County, Shanxi province, during the Zhou dynasty.
Etymology and Legend
The Chinese character zhào refers to the name of that early city-state. According to Chinese legend, King Mu of Zhou rewarded his exceptional chariot driver, Zaofu, with the city of Zhao. Zaofu then adopted Zhao as his surname, making him the founding ancestor of the Zhao clan. This origin story links the surname directly to the Zhou royal charioteer, bestowing a heroic and dignified legacy.
Historic States and Kingdoms
The Zhao state was a major power during the Warring States period (5th–3rd centuries BC). Centered in present-day Shanxi and Hebei, it was one of the seven warring states, renowned for its military reforms and the famous Zhao ruler, King Wuling, who introduced cavalry archery. Later, another Zhao kingdom emerged during the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (10th century AD), and the name was also used for an imperial prefecture.
Imperial Dynasty
Zhao became the imperial surname of the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE). The founding emperor, Zhao Kuangyin (Emperor Taizu), established one of China's most culturally and economically prosperous eras. Emperors of the Song dynasty promoted Confucianism, developed trade, and advanced technology, and the Zhao surname has since been celebrated across Chinese history.
Related Names
Variants of Zhao include Chiu (from Cantonese or Wade–Giles romanization) and Chao (also Wade–Giles). In Korean, the equivalent is Cho (조), and in Vietnamese, Triệu (doublet of Zhao).
Usage
- Meaning: refers to the ancient city-state of Zhao
- Origin: Chinese (Shanxi province)
- Type: surname
- Usage regions: China, Chinese diaspora