Find out how popular the first name Chu has been for the last 5 years (from 1986 to 1990) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chu by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Chu is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1990, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chu.

The history of the first name Chu

The name Chu originates from the Chinese language and culture, with roots dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have derived from the Chinese word "chu," which means "lord" or "master." The name was initially used as a title or honorific for nobility and rulers in ancient China.

During the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE), the name Chu appeared in oracle bone inscriptions, which were ancient Chinese writings carved on animal bones or turtle shells. These inscriptions suggest that the name was associated with high-ranking officials or members of the royal family.

In the Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046-256 BCE), the name Chu gained further prominence. It was often given to princes or nobles, reflecting their status and authority. One notable historical figure with this name was Chu Qiao (born c. 520 BCE), a renowned philosopher and strategist who served as a minister under King Jing of the Zhou Dynasty.

The name Chu also has connections to early Chinese literature and philosophy. In the Analects, a collection of Confucius' teachings and sayings compiled around the 5th century BCE, there are references to individuals with the name Chu who were disciples or contemporaries of the great philosopher.

During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), the name Chu continued to be associated with scholars, officials, and influential figures. One prominent example is Chu Shao (c. 105-192 CE), a famous scholar and poet who served as a high-ranking official in the imperial court.

In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), a renowned figure bearing the name Chu was Chu Yan (c. 730-804 CE), a celebrated poet and calligrapher. His works are highly regarded in Chinese literature and have been studied and admired for centuries.

Another notable individual with the name Chu was Chu Hsi (1130-1200 CE), a prominent Neo-Confucian philosopher and scholar during the Song Dynasty. His teachings and interpretations of Confucian classics had a profound impact on Chinese thought and education for centuries to come.

Throughout its long history, the name Chu has been associated with nobility, scholarship, and cultural significance in Chinese society. While its use may have evolved over time, it remains deeply rooted in the rich traditions and heritage of ancient China.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chu, please contact us.

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