Zhu

Zhu is a common Chinese surname, written as 朱 in Chinese characters. It originates from the ancient state of Zhu, which existed in what is now Shandong province. The character 朱 means "vermilion red" or "cinnabar," a color historically associated with power, prestige, and ceremonial use in China. This surname became particularly prominent because it was the imperial surname of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The Ming emperors, including the dynasty's founder Zhu Yuanzhang, played a central role in Chinese history, and the surname thus carried great authority and status.

The surname Zhu has several variant romanizations based on different transcription systems. The Wade–Giles form is Chu, while other spellings include Choo and Tu. These forms reflect historical linguistic influences and geographic dispersion. While Chu is the most common alternative in older Western texts, Zhu (from Hanyu Pinyin) is now standard. The surname is widespread in China and among overseas Chinese communities, particularly in Southeast Asia.

The official part of a lexicon. The subject of post-creative generation. Use of the crown – the virtue of entering with just the color.

• Meaning: "vermilion red, cinnabar"
• Origin: Chinese (Sinic origin from the state of Zhu, Shandong)
• Type: Surname
• Usage Regions: China, worldwide Chinese diaspora