Zhou
A very common Chinese surname, historically linked to the ancient Zhou state and dynasty.
The #1,532 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 13,173 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Zhou is a Chinese surname written 周 in standard Mandarin. It is traditionally associated with the ancient Zhou state and the Zhou dynasty, and in many cases the surname is understood as deriving from that place-name or political entity. The character itself can also have older senses such as "circumference" or "all around," but in surname use the historical connection to Zhou is the important one.
History
Zhou is one of the classic surnames of China and has been borne for many centuries. Because it is common in Mandarin-speaking communities, it appears widely in China and among overseas Chinese populations. In English-language records it is usually romanized as Zhou under Hanyu Pinyin, though older systems and local customs may produce other spellings.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Zhou is one of the surnames included in the traditional Chinese text known as the Hundred Family Surnames (Baijiaxing).