Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

The Qiu clan, originating from Henan's Nanyang, has ancestral roots from figures like Qiu Mu, with key historical branches in Nanyang and Pingyang commanderies, and has migrated and grown over dynasties to now rank 250th among Chinese surnames.

Ranked #239

The Luan surname, originating from both the Ji and Jiang lineages, was historically prominent in regions like Hexi and Wei Commanderies. Its bearers, such as the Han dynasty's loyal official Luan Bu, established notable clans and hall names like Chongyi Hall.

Ranked #240

The Bao clan, of Ji lineage, originated from Duke Xin's fiefdom of Bao during the Eastern Zhou, later adopting the state's name. Geographically centered in ancient Hedong, its notable Tanghao halls, "Gengjie" and "Dingyang," honor upright officials like Bao Zhao and the noble Bao Xian.

Ranked #241

The Gan surname originated from ancient Chinese states and officials, including the Xia Dynasty's Gan State, Shang minister Gan Pan, and Zhou Dynasty enfeoffments. Key ancestral regions were Bohai and Danyang commanderies, with notable historical figures like Gan Luo earning honors such as "Jiu Xue" and "Wucheng Tang."

Ranked #242

The Tou (钭) clan, originating from the Yan Emperor's Jiang clan, adopted its name from the "tou" bronze vessel used by Duke Kang of Qi during his exile. Historically distributed in Liaoxi (now Yongping, Hebei), it is associated with the "Hui Chu Tang" hall name from Tou Tao's benevolent governance in Chuzhou.

Ranked #243

The Li surname, with origins in posthumous titles, fiefdoms, and surname changes, is historically linked to regions like Fanyang and Nanyang. Notable figures include Li E and Li Zhi, and various family branches across China maintain distinct generational titles.

Ranked #244

The Rong surname, pronounced róng, is a rare Chinese clan with origins from a Zhou state, official titles, and descendants of Song's Wei Zi. Historically distributed in Jiangling and Fufeng commanderies, its members migrated widely, with notable figures like Rong Ci aiding the Han dynasty's founding.

Ranked #245

The surname Zu, pronounced zǔ, originates from Shang Dynasty royalty, with ancestors like Zu Yi. It's historically prominent in Fanyang (Hebei) and is borne by notable figures like mathematician Zu Chongzhi, with a global distribution today.

Ranked #246

The Wu Clan, a northern Chinese surname with origins in Henan, constitutes about 0.18% of Han Chinese. It traces back to King Ping of Zhou's son Ji Wu and includes branches from states, titles, places, and minorities. It prospered notably during the Tang Dynasty, with Empress Wu Zetian as a key figure.

Ranked #247

The Fu Clan, a prominent Han Chinese surname with over 1.3 million people, originated from the official title "Fu Xi Ling" during the Warring States period. Historically a northern surname, it flourished in the south, producing many military leaders and establishing a rich cultural heritage and global associations.

Ranked #248

The Liu surname, one of China's most prominent with the fourth-highest population, originates from ancient clans and Emperor Yao's descendants. It spread widely as Liu clan members founded the Han dynasty and other states, leading to significant distribution across China, Korea, and even Japan.

Ranked #249

The Zhan surname, with ancient origins from the Ji clan or official titles, historically centered in Bohai and Hejian commanderies. It spread southward after the Yongjia Rebellion, becoming a typical southern Chinese clan now widespread across China and Southeast Asia.

Ranked #250

The Shu surname, originating from the Qi state's Xi clan during the Warring States period, is historically linked to Nanyang and Henan commanderies. Key figures include Jin philosopher Shu Xi and Ming official Shu Qing, with a legacy in literature and governance.

Ranked #251

The Jing Clan, originating from Warring States period royal families of Chu and Qi, and later including Manchu members, historically migrated from Shanxi and Shandong across China, notably settling in Danyang over 1000 years ago, forming a complex branch structure.

Ranked #252

The Long surname, pronounced "lóng", has multiple legendary and historical origins in China, including ministers of the Yellow Emperor and Shun, dragon-tamers, and place names. It is associated with ancient commanderies like Wuling and Tianshui, and hall names such as Shi Shi Tang, reflecting the clan's long history and virtuous figures.

Ranked #252

The Ye family, originating from ancient China with ancestral halls like Nanyang and Chongxin, traces its roots to figures like Ye Gong and Ye Zigao. It has a rich heritage of migration, virtues, and notable members, spreading from Fujian and Taiwan to Southeast Asia and beyond.

Ranked #253

The Xing Clan, with the surname 幸 (Xìng), originated during the Zhou Dynasty when its ancestor, Duke Yan, was granted the name by King Cheng of Zhou around 1079 BC for his service. Originating from the Xiapi/Yanmen region, the clan later migrated across China, including to Jiangxi, Sichuan, and Guangdong, producing notable scholars and officials throughout Chinese history.

Ranked #254

The Si clan, originating from Dunchiu, is a Chinese surname derived from ancient official titles with six main origins. Its prestigious lineage traces back to Yu Shun, known for military achievements and integrity, though it's not among the top 100 surnames today.

Ranked #255

The Shao clan surname originates from either the "Shao" music composed for Emperor Shun, with descendants adopting it as their name, or from the Shaozhou region. Its ancestral home is Taiyuan Commandery, and it is not among China's top 100 surnames.

Ranked #256

The Gao clan, originating from the Ji surname, descends from the 11th son of King Wen of Zhou who was enfeoffed in the state of Gao. Historically prominent in Jingzhao (modern Xi'an), the clan later migrated widely across China, with significant populations now in Hubei, Henan, and Shandong.

Ranked #257