Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

The Jiao clan, a Chinese surname with origins in ancient states like Zhongshan, has multiple ancestral roots and hall names like Sanzhao. Historically migrating from the north after the fall of the Jiao state, it spread across China, notably to Jiangxi, and now ranks 128th in surname prevalence.

Ranked #219

The Ba Clan, an ancient Chinese surname with origins from the Feng and Ji clans, northern ethnic minorities, and the Bakir family, historically settled near the Ba River and the state of Ba. It migrated from Shandong and Hebei, expanding to regions like Hubei and Shaanxi, with hall names like Shuangqing, and has a history of over 2000 years, though not among the top 100 surnames today.

Ranked #220

The Gong surname originated from Taiyuan and has multiple origins: from the Ji surname via ancestor Shugong, from the official title "Gongzheng" held by Hui, son of the Yellow Emperor, and from the Gongsun clan of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period.

Ranked #221

The Mu clan is an ancient Chinese surname with origins tracing back over 5,000 years to Li Mu, a minister of the Yellow Emperor. It originated from Hongnong Commandery and has multiple origin theories, including a fief name and a profession. The clan is not among the top 100 surnames today.

Ranked #222

The Wei Clan, with ancient origins from the Yan Emperor, Xia Dynasty descendants, and the Chi Di people, historically prospered in the Xihe and Yuhang commanderies. It spread widely across China, with notable migrations and a rich cultural legacy, including the filial "Jiangshi Hall" and a significant village in Beijing's Fangshan District.

Ranked #223

The Shan surname, with 3000+ years of history, originates from Henan, deriving from a Zhou Dynasty official role or a simplified Xianbei compound surname. Its prominent ancestor is Shan Tao of the Seven Sages, and it's now a common Chinese surname.

Ranked #224

The Gu Clan, originating from Shanggu Commandery in modern Hebei, traces its surname to multiple sources including the Ying surname, Xianbei tribe, and Tang Dynasty figures. It spread from Shaanxi-Gansu across China, with notable migrations during the Han, Song, and Ming dynasties, and became prominent in Jiangsu during the mid-Ming period.

Ranked #225

The Che surname, of Chinese origin, has multiple roots including from Tian and Ying clans, Xianbei ethnicity, and imperial grants. It spread from ancient commanderies across China, ranking 197th in prevalence, with notable figures like Che Qianqiu and Che Yin symbolizing its historical and cultural legacy.

Ranked #226

The Hou surname, pronounced hóu, has ancient origins from royal titles and Xianbei tribes. Historically concentrated in northern China, it spread nationwide over centuries, with significant populations now in Henan, Hebei, and Shanxi.

Ranked #227

The Mi surname, pronounced "mì", originates from the ancient Fuxi clan, with whom it shares lineage. Historically interchangeable with the surname Fu, its descendants adopted Mi. The name is not among the top 100 surnames and is associated with regions like Taiyuan and Pingchang.

Ranked #228

The surname Peng, pronounced péng, has ancient origins from the Western Han dynasty or a Zhou fiefdom. Its progenitor, Peng Qiu, reportedly experienced a legendary time-dilation event. Historically prominent in Beihai and Changle commanderies, it is not among the top 100 surnames in China or Taiwan today.

Ranked #229

The Quan surname, originating from Zhou Dynasty officials or place names, later included Qing royalty. It spread from Shaanxi's Jingzhao area, with key settlements in Qiantang, Zhejiang, becoming a notable clan, especially during Eastern Wu, though not among China's top 100 surnames.

Ranked #230

The Xi surname, originating from the Ji clan and the fief of Xi in Henan around 2000 years ago, became a prominent clan in Gaoping, Shandong. It is not among the top 100 surnames in China or Taiwan today.

Ranked #231

The Ban clan, originating from Fufeng, Shaanxi, traces its surname to Dou Ban of Chu, possibly from tiger-raising legends. It is known for historical figures like Ban Chao and Ban Gu, with hall names like Ding Yuan Tang, and is now scattered across China without major concentration.

Ranked #232

The Yǎng surname, originating from ancient figures like minister Yang Yan or Qin's Gongzi Yin, historically stems from Ruanan, Henan, and Qiantang regions. It is a long-established clan known for ancestral hall names like Wuzhu Hall, with notable migration and presence in Zhejiang areas.

Ranked #233

The Qiou clan, originating from Tianshui, Gansu, descends from Shaohao or from the Sikou official title. It is a rare surname, historically linked to the Tianshui Commandery, and its notable member, revolutionary martyr Qiu Jin, fought and died for China's liberation.

Ranked #234

The Zhong surname, with ancient origins from Zhongshan and Le'an, traces back to the Yellow Emperor's descendants like Zhong Kan of the "Eight Origins," as well as branches from the Shang Dynasty's Zhong Hui and other historical figures, forming a diverse and historically rich lineage.

Ranked #235

The Yi surname originated from ancient clans and places like Yi Qi and Yi Yin, with roots in Henan's Chenliu. It spread from the Central Plains to Shandong, Hebei, and beyond, now widely distributed but not among China's top 300 surnames.

Ranked #236

The Gong surname, pronounced "gōng," has ancient origins from official titles and fiefdoms, with key ancestral distribution in historic Hedong and Taiyuan commanderies, and its founding ancestor Gong Xiru established the lineage in Jiaodong during the Song Dynasty.

Ranked #237

The Ning surname, ranking 187th in China, has ancient origins from the Ying and Ji surnames via posthumous titles/fiefs, and later Manchu adoptions. It has a notable historical distribution in Shandong and features prominent figures like Ning Yu throughout Chinese history.

Ranked #238