Chao Surname

Surname Overview

The Chao surname is pronounced chāo and is rare. It is currently found among Han, Mongolian, and Manchu groups, with Liaoxi, Henan, and Tongliao as its main commanderies of origin.

Reference: 抄姓_抄姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Two Origins

One branch traces to Chaozhen Wuerte-gai of the Mongolian Kiyad tribe and his descendants; another traces to Chao Si, a commander under Genghis Khan. Both adopted the surname from Chinese renderings or homophones of an ancestor's name.

Reference: 抄姓_抄姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The surname appears in the Xu Tongzhi, Genealogical Clans section, and is recorded in places including Shuozhou in Shanxi and Sheng County in Zhejiang. Another record gives the origin as unknown and mentions Chao Si, a juren from the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty.

Reference: 抄姓_抄姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Names

The recorded hall names are Liaoxi Hall, Henan Hall, and Tongliao Hall; Tongliao Hall is also called Liaoyuan Hall. Each was established from a commandery association.

Reference: 抄姓_抄姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Recorded distribution includes Handan in Hebei; Jiaozuo and Xiuwu in Henan; Tongcheng in Anhui; Huangshi in Hubei; Tongliao and Xilin Gol in Inner Mongolia; Taiwan; and Darkhan-Uul Province in Mongolia.

Reference: 抄姓_抄姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figure: Chao Si

Chao Si was from the Mongolian Naiman tribe. He campaigned with Genghis Khan, was later appointed a wanhu by Ögedei Khan, and died of illness in Daming Prefecture in 1234 at the age of forty-four.

Reference: 抄姓_抄姓的来源和历史_百家姓