Chá Surname

Surname Overview

Cha is a currently rare surname, pronounced Chá, and is found among the Han Chinese.

Reference: 察姓_察姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

Recorded origins include descendants of Sun Wu official Zhan Cha adopting their ancestor's name, sinicized descendants of the Yuezhi, and members of certain Mongolian and Manchu clans adopting Cha as a Han surname.

Reference: 察姓_察姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The surname is first recorded in Xingyuan and is included in Zheng Tongzhi's Clan Records under the entering tone. Xing shi kaolüe, quoting Gujin xingshi shu bianzheng, states that its origin is unknown and may relate to an office concerned with examination and inspection.

Reference: 察姓_察姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Distribution

The Cha surname is recorded in Taiyuan and Yuncheng in Shanxi; Qingliu and Taining in Fujian; Ningdu in Jiangxi; Shangyu in Zhejiang; Taitung and Chiayi in Taiwan; and Beijing.

Reference: 察姓_察姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Zhan Cha was a Wu general during the Three Kingdoms period; Cha Tong was a magistrate of Chaocheng in the mid-Zhengde era of the Ming dynasty; and Cha Xixia was a Yunqiwei in the Qing dynasty.

Reference: 察姓_察姓的来源和历史_百家姓