Chau is of Vietnamese origin, meaning 'dawning' or 'morning'. It was traditionally given to boys born during the early hours of the day. The name has a strong connection to Vietnamese culture and history, often appearing in folklore and literature. Chau is composed of two Vietnamese characters: 'Early' and 'Morning', reflecting the hope and promise of a new day.
The name Chau experienced fluctuations in popularity over time, with a peak of 22 births in both 1980 and 1985. However, it has seen a decline since the late 1980s, with most years recording fewer than 15 births.