Entry № 0321 · Chinese origin

Banzhao Banzhao — Meaning, Origin & Baby Name Popularity

/ BAN-jow /
Gender
Girl
Origin
Chinese
Meaning
"Earliest known female Chinese historian"
Syllables
2
Rank · US 2025
№ 0
First recorded
Ancient (Chinese)

A name that means "earliest known female chinese historian".

Banzhao (班昭, c. 45-c. 120 CE) was the **Han Dynasty historian and court teacher** — daughter of Ban Biao, sister of Ban Gu and General Ban Chao. **After her brother Ban Gu died, she completed the *Book of Han* (Han Shu) at the request of Emperor He** — making her **the earliest known female historian in Chinese history**. **Wrote *Nüjie* ("Lessons for Women")**, an influential (and controversial) Confucian primer on female ethics. Tutored the Empress Deng.

Among the most important Han literary figures.

Earliest known female Chinese historian. Completed her brother's Book of Han.

The name in its native script.

班昭
Transliteration
Bān Zhāo
Pronunciation
/ ˈbæn.dʒaʊ /
Root
Grammatical form

Where Banzhao stands.

Current rank · 2025
№ 0 in the U.S.
All-time peak
№ 0 in 0
Babies named Banzhao · last year
87 in the U.S.
First entered SSA top-1000
0
Rank, 1995–2025 Lower = more popular
№25 №75 №150 №250 1995 2005 2015 2020 2025 PEAK · — NOW · —

Banzhaos before her.

Real people
Ban Zhao
Han Dynasty historian.
c. 45 – c. 120 CE
In fiction
Banzhao
Completed the Book of Han.

Names connected to Banzhao.

The number behind Banzhao.

6

The Nurturer

Banzhao reduces to six — the number of Han historian.

Why families chose this name.

"Han historian. Seven letters. Banzhao."
Lily · Mother of one · Luoyang