Surname Overview
Pronunciation and Overview
The surname Zao is pronounced zǎo and is relatively rare today.
zǎo Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 35zǎo
Origins
Ming and Qing Yunnan Chieftain Records
In the Ming period, Zao Gui, pacification commissioner of Wadian in Yongchang Prefecture, Yunnan, and Zao Zhang and Zao Weng, the chief and deputy chief of another native office, were Jingpo; in the Qing period, Zao chieftains governing some villages in Baoshan County, Yunnan, were Achang.
Historical Records
Documentary Attestation
The surname Zao is recorded in the clan treatise of Xu Tongzhi.
Migration and Distribution
Distribution and Ethnic Groups
The surname occurs in Lushui and Yingjiang in Yunnan and Nenjiang County in Heilongjiang, among other places, with a greater presence in Yunnan; it is found among Han and Lisu people.
Research Notes
Reported Variant
One account says that the surname Zao may also be written 皂.
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