Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

The Li surname, with origins including descendants of ancient Jiuli tribes, the Li state, and Emperor Yao, historically spread through regions like Jingzhao, Jiuzhen, and Songcheng. Its population grew from 90,000 in the Song Dynasty to nearly 2 million today, now most concentrated in Guangdong and Guangxi, ranking 103rd in prevalence in China.

Ranked #258

The Ji surname, pronounced jì, originated from ancient fiefs in the Ji area (modern Beijing/Hebei) and Neihuang, Henan. Descendants of the Yellow Emperor adopted the name from their conquered state, Ji, established by King Wu of Zhou. It is a historically significant but uncommon Chinese surname.

Ranked #259

The Bo surname, pronounced "bó," has ancient origins from states and fiefdoms, with key ancestral roots in King Tang of Shang or Bo Gong. It spread from Shanxi's Yanmen and Anhui's Qiao commanderies, diversifying through migrations across China, yet remains outside the top 100 surnames.

Ranked #260

The Yin Clan, originating from Fengyi Commandery, descends from the Ji clan and the Yellow Emperor. Its founding ancestor, Yin Duan, served the State of Zheng. The clan is known for figures like Song minister Yin Yingfei and is symbolized by the "Yuwu Hall," representing resilience against external threats.

Ranked #261

The Su surname, pronounced sù, originates from the state of Su in Shandong, granted to descendants of Fuxi. It later included individuals granted the name during the Later Wei and Northern Wei dynasties.

Ranked #262

The Bai surname, China's 73rd most common, originates from multiple sources including ancient fiefs and tribes. It symbolizes purity, has a population of approximately 3.45 million, and is predominantly distributed in northern China, with notable migrations to Taiwan. The renowned Tang poet Bai Juyi is its most famous bearer.

Ranked #263

The Huai surname, with ancient origins in Henan, stems from four primary sources: descendants of the Song State's founder, a Zhou Dynasty fief named Huai, Chu State nobility, and the Wuhuai tribe. It is a rare surname in China, with notable historical figures including ministers and generals across different dynasties.

Ranked #264

The Pu clan, originating from Hedong, has multiple possible origins: a Xia Dynasty fiefdom named Puban, the rush grass plant, descent from Western Qiang tribes, or Arab settlers during Song/Yuan dynasties. Its founding ancestor is considered Yu Shun.

Ranked #265

The Cong Clan, originating from the Ji surname and Han general Cong Gong, traces back to the Zhou Dynasty's Marquis of Cong. It is a lesser-known surname from Dongguan Commandery in Shandong.

Ranked #267

The surname E, pronounced è, originates from ancient Chinese states like E and Wuchang, with multiple theories tracing back to the Yellow Emperor, Ji and Mi clans, or even Yue Fei. It's a state-derived name, not among China's top 100 surnames, and is associated with hall names like Anping, honoring figures like E Qianqiu from the Han dynasty.

Ranked #268

The Suo surname, with 4000 years of history, originated from the seven prominent clans of the Shang Dynasty and was later relocated to Lu. Its ancestral homelands are in Dunhuang and Wuwei, and it is historically associated with commanderies like Wucheng and Fengyi.

Ranked #269

The Tai Clan, descended from the Jiang and Ji clans, originated during the Zhou Dynasty. Key figures include Song Dynasty general Zhongtai Gong, Ming filial son Tai Maozhi, and Ming official Tai Qing. The clan, with hall names like Yi Qin and Si Yuan, is historically distributed in Jiangsu, Anhui, and Shanghai.

Ranked #269

The Xian surname, pronounced 'xián', has ancient origins from Emperor Ku's official Xian Qiu Hei, Shang Dynasty shamans, and the Ji clan of Jin. Its descendants, including Han, Korean, and Xibe peoples, are now widespread across China, migrating from Shandong to regions like Liaoning and Jilin, excelling in various fields.

Ranked #270

The Ji surname, pronounced "jí", originated during China's Spring and Autumn period from official archivists like Bo Yan in the state of Jin. It is linked to the Guangping Commandery, is not among the top 100 surnames, and its descendants trace their roots to areas like Shangqiu and Yongping.

Ranked #271

The Lai Clan, with origins from Zhou royalty and Shennong, originated in Henan and spread across China through migrations. Key branches established in Yingchuan, Nankang, Henan, Henei commanderies, and Songyang, later expanding to Fujian, Guangdong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, with hall names like "Secretarial Hall."

Ranked #272

The Zhuo surname, of Chu royal Mi lineage descent over 2,800 years ago, originated from Gongzi Zhuo. It flourished from its ancestral homes in Nanyang and Xihe commanderies, later migrating south, with historical prominence in the Han dynasty and enduring legacy.

Ranked #273

The Lin surname, a Han Chinese name ranking 300th in China, originated from the Han family during the Spring and Autumn period. Descendants of Han Kang adopted the fief name "Lin" as their surname. Its origin traces back to Zhongshan Commandery, with the famous historical figure Lin Xiangru known for the "He Shi Bi" jade incident.

Ranked #274

The Tu surname is an ancient, multi-origin Chinese clan with key historical roots in Chenliu and Guangping commanderies. Theories on its origin include descent from the Jiuli tribe, the Shang royal family, or a professional occupation. Today, it ranks 275th in population, with a widespread presence across China.

Ranked #275

The Meng clan, originating from Anding Commandery, has ancient roots tracing back to the Yellow Emperor. Its surname derives from Mount Meng, the fief of Meng Shuang, or official titles. Historically significant members include Qin generals Meng Ao and Meng Tian.

Ranked #276

The Chi family, originating from the Central Plains, migrated southward, flourishing in Fujian, Guangdong, and Yunnan during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its surname derives from Qin royalty or residence near moats, with notable members like Chi Yude and Chi Shengchun holding scholarly and official posts.

Ranked #277