Cho

The name 'Cho' is a common surname of East Asian origin, primarily found in countries such as Korea, China, and Japan. In Korean, the family name 'Cho' is written with the Hanja character 曺. Although 'Cho' is a popular surname within the Korean community, it is also common in other East Asian countries but can have different pronunciations and variations in each culture.

In Korea, the surname 'Cho' is among the ten most frequently used surnames. It is estimated that around four million Koreans bear this name, accounting for approximately 8% of the population. The 'Cho' clan, known as a bon-gwan, has multiple origins and is categorized into different regional branches or septs. Each branch is associated with a specific area, which contributes to the diversification of the Cho surname in terms of dialects, customs, and traditions.

In China, the surname 'Cho' can be spelled as 'Cao' and is ranked as the 34th most common surname. The Chinese character 曹 is used to represent this name and holds historical significance, as it was the name of a noble family during the Zhou Dynasty. 'Cao' can be found among various ethnic groups in China, such as the Han, Manchu, and Hui people, with different pronunciations or variations.

In Japan, the surname 'Cho' is relatively less common compared to Korea and China. It is usually written with the Kanji character 'Cho' (which can also be pronounced as 'Suo'), meaning 'butterfly.' The 'Cho' surname is believed to have originated from a branch of the Taira clan, one of the prominent families in Japanese history.

Overall, the name 'Cho' is an integral part of East Asian culture and history, representing the heritage and ancestral connections of millions of individuals in Korea, China, and Japan.