Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

The Shan surname, with 680,000 people ranking 177th in China, originates from a Zhou Dynasty fiefdom and ethnic minority name conversions. Historically centered in Henan, its population is now primarily distributed in Jiangsu, Shandong, Anhui, and Jilin.

Ranked #180

The Hang surname, pronounced "háng", originates from Yuhang, Zhejiang and Danyang (Xuancheng, Anhui). It derives from ancient fiefs, either from Kang family descendants or Yu the Great's post-flood land grant. Ancestor Hang Xu Bo settled in Danyang, with notable descendant Qing scholar Hang Shijun.

Ranked #181

The Hong surname, China's 99th most common with over 2 million people, originates from ancient figures and states. Its population, concentrated in Guangdong, Taiwan, and along the Yangtze River, grew over 11-fold in 600 years. Notable bearers include Hong Xiuquan, leader of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

Ranked #182

The Bao surname, pronounced "bāo", has ancient origins from figures like Taihao and Shen Baoxu, with branches in Danyang and Shangdang. It includes a Mongolian lineage from Genghis Khan. The clan is renowned for the incorruptible Song official Bao Zheng, after whom hall names were created, and other notable figures like the loyal general Bao Xu.

Ranked #183

The surname Zhu, with origins in ancient names, fiefdoms, and merged surnames like Zhuge, historically stems from Langya (modern Shandong). It is not a top-100 surname, and notable bearers include officials like Zhu Jiying from the State of Yue.

Ranked #184

The Zuo surname, ranked 142nd in China, originates from official titles, an ancient state, and ethnic adaptations. It spread from ancient Jiyang and other regions during the Zhou dynasty, with notable figures like Zuo Qiuming, and now accounts for approximately 0.086% of the Han population.

Ranked #185

The Shi clan, with origins tracing back to the Spring and Autumn period, Central Asian "Nine Clans," and Xianbei surname changes, is predominantly distributed in Gansu, Hebei, and Liaoning. Today, it has over 3.6 million people, ranking 71st among Chinese surnames.

Ranked #186

The Cui clan, a Chinese surname with origins in Shandong from the Jiang clan and some minority groups, historically served as officials and spread from Hebei. Now over 4.2 million strong, it ranks 58th in China, primarily concentrated in Shandong, Hebei, and Henan, with a historical migration trend towards the southeast.

Ranked #187

The Ji surname, one of China's oldest, originated from the ancient Nanyan State and official titles. It is primarily distributed in Shaanxi and Henan, with a 5000-year history involving migrations across China and integration of multiple ethnicities, producing notable figures like General Ji Hongchang.

Ranked #188

The Niu surname, ranked 191st in China, originated from Jiangnan, with Wuxing as a key ancestral commandery. It has a 1700-year history, spreading nationwide from its Zhejiang/Jiangsu roots, with Manchu origins and notable historical bearers.

Ranked #189

The Gong Clan, with mythical origins, originated in Wuling and Liugui. Its population grew from 150,000 in the Song Dynasty to 2 million today, now ranking 16th in China. Historically centered in Anhui and Jiangsu, its distribution has shifted to the Yangtze River basin, notably in Hunan, Jiangsu, Hubei, and Sichuan.

Ranked #190

The Cheng Clan, originating from ancient states and fiefs like Chengju, has ancestral halls such as Mingdao and Yichuan. Historically centered in Guangping, Henan, and Anding commanderies, it spread widely from the Spring and Autumn period through migrations, now making up about 0.59% of China's Han population and ranking 31st in surnames.

Ranked #191

The Ji surname, pronounced Jī, has dual origins from the Xia Dynasty's Ji Zhu and a Xianbei clan. Historically centered in Henan and Qiao Commanderies, its ancestral roots are linked to Kuaiji and Jishan, with notable hall names including Henan, Qiao Guo, and Guangling.

Ranked #192

The Xing surname, with origins tracing back to the Zhou Dynasty, derives from the state of Xing and a fiefdom in Jin. Its ancestral figure is the Duke of Zhou. Historically centered in Hebei, the family migrated widely across China, especially after the state's conquest, with hall names like Hejian Hall signifying its legacy.

Ranked #193

The Hua surname, originating from the Ji clan and the ancient Hua State during the Zhou Dynasty, is descended from the Duke of Zhou. Its prominent families were historically distributed in commanderies like Xiapi, Jingzhao, and Anlu, with notable figures such as Hua Shou excelling in medicine.

Ranked #194

The Pei family, a Chinese clan originating from Hedong over 4000 years ago with progenitor Boyi, is historically significant for its expansion from Shanxi across China, its "Luye Tang" hall, and its enduring cultural legacy.

Ranked #195

The Lu Clan, originating from various sources including legendary figures and assimilated ethnic groups, is primarily distributed in Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu. It is known for its historical halls honoring loyal figures and has migrated to regions like Taiwan, where its population has grown significantly.

Ranked #196

The Rong surname, with ancient origins from figures like Rong Jiang, traces back to Zhou Dynasty officials granted the Rong fief. It originated from the Shanggu and Le'an regions, is a common Chinese surname widely distributed, and is especially prevalent in Jilin Province.

Ranked #197

The Weng Clan, an ancient Chinese surname ranking 200th in the Baijiaxing, originates from a Ji clan descendant enfeoffed at Weng Mountain. Its ancestral roots are in regions like Linchuanjun and Qiantangjun, with significant presence in Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces, including Hangzhou and Fuzhou.

Ranked #198

The Xun surname, originating from a Zhou Dynasty state granted to King Wen's son or from the Yellow Emperor's descendants, is not a top-100 surname in China. Its ancestral heartland was Henan's He Nei commandery, with notable historical figures including the minister Xun Shi and philosopher Xun Qing.

Ranked #199