Chu Surname

Surname Overview

Present Overview

The Chu surname ranks around 267th among Chinese surnames today, with a population of roughly 230,000 and a relatively limited distribution.

Reference: 中华姓氏“储”姓溯源：文翰世家，德清流芳_储姓_储氏_历史

Origins

Main Origins

One branch traces back to the ancient worthy Chu Taibo, while another descends from Chu Zi of the Warring States period; descendants took “Chu” from the name as their surname.

Reference: 中华姓氏“储”姓溯源：文翰世家，德清流芳_储姓_储氏_历史

Official and Territorial Origins

The surname is also associated with origins from official titles, a state name, and a fief; historically, some people of Xianbei and Mongolian groups also adopted Chu as their surname.

Reference: 中华姓氏“储”姓溯源：文翰世家，德清流芳_储姓_储氏_历史

Historical Records

Early Attestations and Commanderies

The Chu surname was already known during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods; after the Jin dynasty it grew in Jiangnan. Traditional commanderies included Hedong, Yingchuan, and Wu.

Reference: 中华姓氏“储”姓溯源：文翰世家，德清流芳_储姓_储氏_历史

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Names

Chu clan hall names include Wenhan Hall, Chuwen Hall, and Dehou Hall, generally emphasizing the transmission of literary culture and virtue.

Reference: 中华姓氏“储”姓溯源：文翰世家，德清流芳_储姓_储氏_历史

Migration and Distribution

Distribution

The Chu surname is concentrated mainly in Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hunan, Hubei, and Fujian, with Anhui as its largest province by population; it is also scattered across Henan, Shandong, Jiangxi, and Sichuan.

Reference: 中华姓氏“储”姓溯源：文翰世家，德清流芳_储姓_储氏_历史