Chiu

Chiu is a surname of Chinese origin and is used as a romanization for several Chinese surnames in English-language sources. It is most commonly associated with the characters 邱 and 丘, both of which are pronounced qiū in Mandarin. The spelling Chiu often reflects Cantonese or other regional pronunciations, and may be complemented by variants such as Chau or Chow in different communities.

Origin and meaning: The characters 邱 and 丘 commonly denote a hill or mound and appear as toponymic surnames in multiple regions of China. The surname has ancient roots and is linked to families from places named Qiu or丘 in historical records. As with many Chinese surnames, different lineages share similar pronunciations but trace to distinct ancestral origins.

Distribution and variants: Chiu is widely found among Chinese communities in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the broader diaspora, including Southeast Asia and North America. Related spellings reflecting the same roots vary by dialect and country; beyond Chiu, common forms include Qiu (Mandarin pinyin), Chow or Chou (Cantonese- and Mandarin-based transliterations), and Yau in some Cantonese renderings.

Notable bearers: People with the surname Chiu appear across politics, academia, business and the arts in various countries, reflecting the global Chinese diaspora. The name is represented in many fields and contributes to a range of cultural and professional contexts.