Surname Overview
Pronunciation and Overview
The surname Chao is pronounced Cháo. It is relatively rare today, geographically widespread but small in population, and ranks 393rd in the Hundred Family Surnames.
Chao Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 46,111Chao / Chao
Origins
Two Ancient Origins
One line descends from the ancient ruler Youchao; another traces to descendants of Yu of Xia who were enfeoffed at Chao. After the state was conquered by Wu during the Spring and Autumn period, its descendants adopted the state name as their surname.
Historical Records
Record in the Tongzhi
The Tongzhi section on clans records descent from Youchao and mentions Chaofu in the time of Yao. It also places the state of Chao in Lujiang during the Xia and Shang periods, stating that its descendants took the state name as their surname and that the lineage's commandery affiliation was Pengcheng.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies and Hall Names
The surname's commandery affiliations include Pengcheng and Lucheng, while its hall names include Pengcheng Hall and Cichan Hall. Cichan Hall takes its name from the tradition that Chaofu firmly refused Emperor Yao's offer to yield the realm.
Migration and Distribution
Modern Distribution
The Chao surname is found in Songjiang in Shanghai; Laoting in Hebei; Changle in Shandong; Datong in Shanxi; Lushi in Henan; Guichi and Jing County in Anhui; Honghu in Hubei; and Xinhui and Gaoyao in Guangdong, among other places.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Recorded bearers of the surname include Chao Douchen in the Zuo Zhuan, Eastern Han Minister of Works Chao Kan, Sui imperial physician Chao Yuanfang, Song-era Chao Gu, and Qing-era Chao Mingsheng.
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