The 周 surname

Zhou (周) is a common Chinese surname, fifth in the Hundred Family Surnames (《百家姓》). Surname Culture of Chixi (《赤溪姓氏文化》), compiled by the Chixi Hakka Culture Research Society of Taishan (台山市赤溪客家文化研究会), lists the Zhou among the Hakka surnames of Chixi Town (赤溪镇).^[1][2]

Origin of the surname[edit]

The earliest origin of the Zhou surname can be traced to the royal house of the Zhou dynasty: after Qin destroyed the Eastern Zhou, the descendants of King Ping of Zhou (周平王) who held the fief of Rufen (汝坟) were called the "Zhou family," and so took Zhou as their clan name; they became a great clan of Runan (汝南), known as the "Zhou of Runan" (汝南周氏). Under Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, many people surnamed Ji (姬) changed their surname to Zhou to avoid the taboo character "ji" (基), and this too is a major source of the Zhou surname. There are also other sources, such as the Su (苏) who changed to Zhou at the end of the Yuan, and northern peoples who changed their surnames.^[1]

Coming to Taishan[edit]

How the Zhou came to Taishan and where they live is yet to be added. Family members who know more are welcome to edit this article.