Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

The Bie surname, pronounced "bié", originated from Jingzhao and Tianshui. It derives from "Biezi," meaning non-heir sons of nobility who took a separate surname, with ancestor Bie Chengzi. The clan, not a top-100 surname, migrated early, with a key branch in Hubei, and is historically associated with military and political roles.

Ranked #316

The Zhuang surname, originating from ancient Chinese commanderies like Tianshui, has multiple roots from Chu and Song royalty, with its founding ancestor being King Zhuang of Chu, and is historically documented in various Chinese texts.

Ranked #317

The Yan clan, originating from Qi County (modern Linzi, Shandong), descends from progenitor Yan An. It has three possible origins from ancient Chinese history, flourished as one of Qi's four noble families during the Spring and Autumn period, and is known for figures like the virtuous chancellor Yan Ying.

Ranked #318

The Chai Clan, originating from Confucius' student Gao Chai and sharing ancestry with the Lin clan, has a 2500-year history. It uses a 100-generation naming system, with its lineage historically centered in Pingyang (modern Linfen, Shanxi).

Ranked #319

The Qu clan surname, pronounced "qú", originated in ancient China from a Shang Dynasty official, his fiefdom Qushang, and a disciple of Confucius, with its history and migration documented by artifacts like the Qufu Ding bronze vessel and its association with the Songyang Commandery.

Ranked #320

The Yan surname, with origins in the Ji clan and figures like King Kang of Zhou and Tang Shuyu, is a major Chinese clan historically based in commanderies like Tianshui and Taiyuan, ranking 50th in prevalence and constituting about 0.4% of the Han population.

Ranked #321

The Chong surname, of Chinese origin, primarily derives from the Zhou dynasty official title "Chong Ren," responsible for sacrificial animals, and from Chong Lu, a noble descendant of Jiang Taigong from the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period.

Ranked #322

The Mu surname, originating from the Xianbei Murong clan and Emperor Ku, is a historic Chinese name prominent in Wuxing. It spread from northern China to the south and abroad, with notable figures like Yuan official Mu Wan and Qing scholar Mu Tianyan.

Ranked #323

The Lian family, originating from Shangdang Commandery, has multiple origins including ancient clans, official titles, and the Jiang clan. It is known for its historical migration to Shangdang and notable members like Lian Shu and Lian Nanfu, who were respected officials, poets, and scholars throughout Chinese history.

Ranked #324

The Ru surname, of diverse Xianbei and Rouran tribal origins, migrated from northern tribes to central China, with ancestral roots in Henan. It is historically notable through figures like General Ru Hao and is not among the top 100 Chinese surnames.

Ranked #325

The Xi surname, with founder Xi Xiang, originates from the ancient State of Xi or the place Shaoxi. Historically distributed in Dongyang and Xiangyang commanderies, its notable figures include the loyal Shu Han commander Xi Zhen.

Ranked #326

The Huan surname, pronounced "huàn," has multiple origins including from official titles, descendants of Shun, and Mongolian and Tujia ethnic groups. It is not a top-100 surname in China and is historically distributed in Dongyang (Zhejiang), Zhongshan, Guizhou, and Jiangsu, with Dongyang Hall as a common ancestral hall.

Ranked #327

The Ai Clan, an ancient Chinese surname pronounced "ài", has four potential origins: descendants of Xia dynasty minister Ru Ai, descendants of Qi state minister Kong Ai, adoption from the Xianbei Aijin surname, or Hui Muslim lineage. Historically distributed across Longxi, Henan, and Tianshui commanderies, its progenitor is commonly identified as Ru Ai from the Xia dynasty over 4,000 years ago.

Ranked #328

The Yu surname, of Chinese origin, primarily derives from the Zi surname, with its ancestor being Prince Mu Yi (Ziyu) of the Song state during the Spring and Autumn period. It later also originated from a Xianbei name change in the Tang Dynasty. Historically distributed in Yanmen and Fengyi commanderies, the surname is rare today but has notable historical figures like the poet Yu Xuanji.

Ranked #329

The Rong surname, originating from Dunhuang Commandery, has ancient roots tracing back to figures like Zhongrong, a son of Emperor Shun, or Rongcheng, a Yellow Emperor historian who created China's first calendar. It later flourished in southern China.

Ranked #330

The Xiang surname, pronounced "xiàng", has three main origins tracing back to ancient figures and states, with historical roots in Henan and Shandong. Notable lineages include Zhonghe Hall, named for the reclusive scholar Xiang Chang, and Shujun Hall, named for General Xiang Chong of Shu Han.

Ranked #331

The Gu surname has multiple origins, including from the Ji surname, a Zhou official, the Xianbei Tuxi clan, and the Hui ethnic group. It originated from Gu Gongfu, is not top 100 in mainland China, ranks 75th in Taiwan, and is historically linked to regions like Xin'an, Xinping, and Henei.

Ranked #332

The Yi Clan, originating from Hebei and Shandong, descends from figures like Jiang Ziya and Yi Ya. Historically distributed in commanderies like Jiyang and Taiyuan, it later became a prominent southern clan, known for strict traditions and the celebrated filial piety of Yi Yanqing, with hall names such as Chunxiao and Zhili.

Ranked #333

The Shen surname, pronounced "shèn", has dual origins: from Qin Huali, a Warring States philosopher whose descendants adopted his courtesy name "Shenzi", and from a fief called Shenyi granted to descendants of Chu's royalty. Historically associated with Tianshui, Gansu, it is not among China's top 100 surnames.

Ranked #334

The Ge surname, originating over 4000 years ago from the ancient state of Ge, has two primary origins linked to the Xia Dynasty. It is associated with Linhai Commandery and Jingzhou, and its history includes notable figures like Ming official Ge Shangyou, who ingeniously defeated pirates.

Ranked #335