Zhao - Definition and Overview

Zhao (pinyin: zhào, Wade-Giles: Chao, simplified Chinese: 赵, traditional Chinese: 趙) is a common Chinese family name. The origin of the family name came from the people of State of Zhao in ancient China.

The family name can be transliterated to Chiu or Jiu in Cantonese.

Zhao can also be a less common family name 兆 (Siu in Cantonese.)

Prominent people with family name 趙

• The Zhao royals of the Song Dynasty.
• Rosalind Chao, an American actor.
• Elaine L. Chao, United States Secretary of Labor.
• Y. R. Chao, a Chinese linguist.
• Zhao Mengfu, a famous calligrapher.
• Zhao Yun, a general during the era of Three Kingdoms.
• Zhao Ziyang, Chinese politician, placed under house arrest after symphathizing with the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.

Zhao is also the shorthand of State of Zhao during the end of Spring and Autumn Period.

Zhao (兆) is a Chinese number for 10⁶ or 10¹².