The Zhao Clan#

Surname: Zhao, pronounced as zhào

Regions Where the Zhao Clan Is Found**#

• Tianshui Commandery, Gansu
• Nanyang Commandery, Henan
• Jincheng Commandery, Gansu
• Xiapi Commandery, Jiangsu
• Yingchuan Commandery, Henan

Origin of the Zhao Clan#

The origin of the Zhao surname is traced back to the Ying surname. According to the Tang Shu (History of the Tang Dynasty), Zhaofu, the 13th-generation descendant of Boyi, a leader of the Dongyi tribe in ancient times, presented eight fine horses to King Mu of Zhou. King Mu used these horses for hunting expeditions in the west. During one of these rides, he encountered the Queen Mother of the West at a banquet. He was so captivated by her that he forgot to return. He continued his journey for thousands of miles on her behalf. When King Xu Yan of Xu rebelled, King Mu granted Zhaofu the fief of Zhaocheng, located north of present-day Hongtong, Shanxi. This is how the Zhao clan came into existence. The list of the "Hundred Surnames," compiled during the Song Dynasty, placed the emperor's surname first, followed by "Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li." Here, "Zhao" symbolizes authority or power.

There are three theories regarding the origin of the Zhao surname:

1. It originates from the Shaohao clan of the Jin-Tian lineage. Sima Zhen's Records of the Grand Historian states that Zhaofu, a descendant of Shaohao, was granted the fief of Zhaocheng for his services. Later, during the Warring States period, the state of Zhao was established, and after its fall, his descendants adopted the state name as their surname.

2. Some members of ethnic minorities adopted the Zhao surname. For example, during the Han Dynasty, there were Zhao Anji (from the Xiongnu) and Zhao Yefu (from the "Southern Barbarians"); during the Five Dynasties, there was Zhao Guozhen (a descendant of a tribal chief).

3. The Zhao surname was also granted by the Zhao Song dynasty. Several individuals with surnames such as Li, Mu, Long, and Yuwen were granted the Zhao surname by the dynasty.

Ancestors of the Zhao Clan:

• Zhaofu: A renowned horse trainer from the Western Zhou period, he was highly favored by King Mu of Zhou. He presented eight fine horses to the king and accompanied him on a journey to the Kunlun Mountains, where he was entertained by the Queen Mother of the West. When King Xu Yan of Xu rebelled, Zhaofu quickly returned with the king and helped quell the rebellion. For his services, he was granted the fief of Zhaocheng.

Spread and Expansion of the Zhao Clan:

• During the Western Zhou period, Zhaofu's seventh-generation descendant, Shu Dai, led his clansmen to the state of Jin, where the Zhao family flourished. After the fall of the Zhao state, the Zhao surname became widespread in regions such as Shanxi, Hebei, Henan, and Shandong.
• After the Qin Dynasty conquered the Zhao state, the descendants of the Zhao royal family adopted the state name as their surname.
• During the Han and Tang dynasties, the Zhao surname continued to spread across China.
• The Song Dynasty saw further expansion, with the Zhao clan settling in various regions due to grants and migrations.

Notable Figures with the Zhao Surname:

• Zhao Yun (??-229): A famous general from the Three Kingdoms period, known for his bravery and loyalty.
• Zhao Feiyan: The queen of Emperor Cheng of Han, known for her singing and dancing skills.
• Zhao Pu: A wise chancellor who played a key role in the establishment of the Song dynasty.
• Zhao Mengfu: An outstanding painter and calligrapher of the Yuan dynasty.
• Zhao Zhiqian: A scholar and artist from the Qing dynasty.

Migration History of the Zhao Clan:

• Before the Han Dynasty, the Zhao clan was first established in Zhaocheng. During the Three Kingdoms period, they migrated to the state of Jin and later flourished there.
• After the Qin Dynasty conquered the Zhao state, the Zhao clan spread to regions such as Gansu and Hebei.
• During the Song dynasty, the clan further expanded its presence across China.

It is worth noting the overseas migration of the Zhao clan, with members settling in Southeast Asia, the United States, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, France, and Canada.