Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

The surname Zai, pronounced "zǎi", originates from the official titles "Zaifu" or "Taizai" in the Zhou Dynasty. Descendants of officials, including from the Duke of Zhou's line, adopted these as their surname. It is not a common surname in China.

Ranked #297

The Li surname, an ancient lineage descending from the Yellow Emperor, originated from the state of Li. Its prominent clans were based in Xincai, Henan, with ancestor Li Shang. The family is noted for figures like Li Shiqi, Lord Guangye, and Li Daoyuan, author of the "Commentary on the Waterways Classic."

Ranked #298

The Yong Clan, a 3000-year-old surname, originated from King Wen of Zhou's son granted the fiefdom of Yong. Its prominent Jingzhao branch resided near Xi'an, with hall names like Yanyi, and produced notable figures including Ming Dynasty Go masters and Song Dynasty painters.

Ranked #299

The Qiu surname, of Chinese origin, derives from ancient jade/gold earrings symbolizing nobility or from the Ji family. It historically spread from commanderies in modern Jiangxi and Henan, is not a top-100 surname, and has a prestigious lineage dating back to the Spring and Autumn period.

Ranked #300

The Sang Clan, with origins tracing back to the ancient Qiongsang clan of Shaohao and other branches from Qin royalty, is a historic Chinese surname. It primarily originated in Shandong and spread through Henan and other regions, with notable populations in Shandong, Anhui, and Hebei. Key historical distribution centers include Liyang and Henan Commanderies.

Ranked #301

The Gui surname, of pure Zhou royal Ji lineage, originated when Ji Jizhen's four sons changed their names to Gui, Ji, Jiong, and Que to escape Qin persecution. The clan, founded by Gui Yi, later migrated from its Tianshui and Youzhou heartlands during the Five Dynasties, producing notable figures like Gui Qing.

Ranked #302

The Pu surname, pronounced "pú", has ancient origins from four main sources linked to Shun, Zhuanxu, the State of Wei, and the State of Bai Pu. Its founder is Yao San. The clan historically centered in Lu Jun (Shandong) and migrated to Hubei, Henan, and Sichuan, becoming a prominent local surname with a 2000-3000 year history and notable loyal figures.

Ranked #303

The Niu surname, originating from Longxi Commandery, descends from Shang King Tang via Niu Fu. It has multiple origins, including name changes and ethnic adoption. The family spread from Henan throughout China, with notable halls like Longxi and Taishi, and is now found globally.

Ranked #304

The Xi clan is an ancient Chinese surname with origins in the Ji and Manchu clans, historically distributed across Ji Yang, Ji Yin, and Shan Yang commanderies. It features notable hall names like Zhong Jun and Dan Gui, and includes prominent historical figures from the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period.

Ranked #304

The Shou surname, pronounced Shòu, is rare and originated from Jingzhao (near Xi'an). It derives either from King Shou Meng of Wu, a descendant of the Zhou Ji surname, or from descendants of the long-lived Peng Zu. The family historically resided in Jingzhao and has notable ancestral hall traditions.

Ranked #305

The Tong Clan, with over 2000 years of history, originates from Hexi Commandery. Its surname derives either from the fiefdom Tongchuan or from altering the surname 'Che' to avoid the taboo of Emperor Wu of Han, venerating the Marquis of Che as its ancestor.

Ranked #306

The Bian surname originated in ancient China, with key roots in Shang and Zhou dynasties. It has ancestral halls, migrated from Central Plains to places like Zhuji, and produced notable figures like Bian Shao and Bian Su, with historical distribution in Chenliu and Jincheng commanderies.

Ranked #307

The Hu surname, pronounced "hù", originates from the ancient State of Hu, descended from Yu the Great's lineage. Defeated by Xiahou Qi, survivors adopted Hu as their surname. It also derives from Xianbei tribe's "Hu Digan". Historically distributed from Jingzhao and dispersed nationwide, it's commemorated in ancestral couplets reflecting its heritage.

Ranked #308

The Yan surname, with origins tracing back to the Yellow Emperor, primarily derives from the ancient states of Northern Yan (founded by Ji Shi, son of Zhao Gong) and Southern Yan. It spread from commanderies like Shanggu and Fanyang, and includes a Xianbei tribal branch, evolving over 2200 years.

Ranked #309

The Ji surname, an ancient Chinese name, originates from the state of Ji and the fief of official Ji Rui, descending from Emperor Yao. Historically distributed in the Bohai area, it is not among the top surnames but has notable figures in politics and culture throughout history.

Ranked #310

The Yao clan, an ancient Han surname, originated from multiple sources including the Ji and Mi surnames, with ancestral ties to figures like Jia Zhang. It historically flourished in commanderies like Xingyang, Wuling, and Xiangyang. Though not among the top 300 surnames in China, it produced notable scholars and officials who contributed to water management and culture.

Ranked #311

The Pu clan, an ancient Chinese surname, has diverse origins including Ji, Jiang, and Ying lineages, with ancestral roots in Shandong and Jingzhao. It evolved through multiple dynasties, incorporating ethnic influences from Hui, Manchu, and Baekje tribes, and ranks beyond the top 300 surnames in modern China.

Ranked #312

The Shang surname, originating in the Zhou Dynasty's Qi state, has multiple origins including from the Jiang surname, official titles, and ethnic integrations. Historically concentrated in northern China (e.g., Shaanxi, Hebei, Shanxi, Henan), it spread south post-Tang Dynasty, incorporates diverse ethnic roots, and features notable historical figures like Shangfu.

Ranked #313

The Nong surname, linked to the legendary Yan Emperor Shennong and the official title "Nong Zheng," originates from Yanmen and has agricultural roots. It spread via descendants and Zhuang people in Guangxi during the Northern Song dynasty, though some later concealed their lineage.

Ranked #314

The Wen clan, originating from ancient Chinese fiefs like Wenei, has diverse roots including Ji, Xi, and Gaoyang clans, with later Hui and Mongol influences. Historically centered in Shandong and Hebei, it spread from Henan to regions like Taiyuan and Qinghe, migrating south during the Jin Dynasty and later to Fujian and Guangdong.

Ranked #315