Origin & Meaning of the Zhao Surname
What does the last name Zhao mean?
The surname Zhao carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 22,301 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Zhao ranks as the #1,613 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Zhao come from?
The Zhao surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Zhao name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Zhao trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Zhao |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,613 |
| US Count (2010) | 22,301 |
| Per 100K People | 7.56 |
| First Letter | Z |
Ethnic Distribution of Zhao
According to the US Census, the Zhao surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 22,301 Americans with the Zhao last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 0.96% |
| Black | 0.13% |
| Hispanic | 0.26% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 98.11% |
| Native American | 0.02% |
| Two or More Races | 0.52% |
Popularity of Zhao Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Zhao surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Zhao surname increased by 11,977 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Zhao Ancestry
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Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Zhao.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zhao
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