Chǔ Surname

Surname Overview

Overview

Chu (Chǔ) is a currently common surname with a broad distribution, especially in Henan, and accounts for about 0.02% of the Han population in China.

Reference: 楚姓_楚姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

Recorded origins of the Chu surname include the Mi lineage adopting a state name, the Ji lineage adopting the ancestor name Lin Chu, and origins from place or settlement names such as Chuqiu. Some Chu families also arose through surname changes among ethnic groups including Koreans and Hui.

Reference: 楚姓起源分布与家谱家族

Historical Records

Historical records contain few figures with the Chu surname before the Song dynasty. From the Song and Yuan periods onward, they include Chu Jianzhong, Chu Yan, Chu Zhaofu, Chu Ding, and Chu Shu.

Reference: 楚姓起源分布与家谱家族

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Halls

The Chu surname is associated with the commanderies of Jiangling and Xinping. Recorded hall names include Bingde Hall, Jiangling Hall, Gangjie Hall, Zizhi Hall, and Tingxue Hall.

Reference: 楚姓_楚姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Present-Day Distribution

Among 23Mofang genetic-testing users, Chu surname users are mainly registered in Shandong, Henan, and Hunan, followed by Hebei, Sichuan, Anhui, and Liaoning.

Reference: 楚姓起源分布与家谱家族

Genealogy and Generation Names

Genealogy and Founding Ancestors

Existing Chu genealogy listings include Wuxi in Jiangsu and Changsha in Hunan. The Hongtang branch records that Chu Ying's line moved from Yingshang County in Yingzhou to Changsha Guard, later branching to Xiangtan and Hongtang.

Reference: 楚氏家谱网 提供2个省区市的5部楚氏家谱、楚氏族谱