Origin & Meaning of the Zhou Surname
What does the last name Zhou mean?
The surname Zhou 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 23,437 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Zhou ranks as the #1,532 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Zhou come from?
The Zhou 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 Zhou name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Zhou 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 | Zhou |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,532 |
| US Count (2010) | 23,437 |
| Per 100K People | 7.95 |
| First Letter | Z |
Ethnic Distribution of Zhou
According to the US Census, the Zhou surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 23,437 Americans with the Zhou last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 0.98% |
| Black | 0.18% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 98.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.51% |
Popularity of Zhou Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Zhou surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Zhou surname increased by 11,851 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Zhou Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Zhou ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Zhou Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Zhou Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Zhou
- ✓ The Zhou coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Zhou families live today
- ✓ Notable Zhou bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Zhou
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Zhou.
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 Zhou.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zhou
Top Surnames Starting with Z
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter Z, ranked by population.
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