Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

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

The Liao surname has ancient, multi-origin roots from clan names, fiefs, and state names, with its most prestigious branch originating from Runan County. It spread widely across China, producing notable figures throughout history in politics and culture.

Ranked #336

The Zhong surname, an ancient Chinese lineage, traces back to the Yellow Emperor with origins in Jinan and Nanyang. It derives from descendants like Lu Zhong or Xia official Zhong Gu, and is historically celebrated through figures like Zhong Jun and Zhong ShenSi.

Ranked #338

The Ji surname, with ancient origins from fiefdoms or the surname Gai, traces back to ancestor Peng Zu. Historically concentrated in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it is outside China's top 100 surnames and is associated with notable figures like Jin's Ji Xun and Song's Ji Tao.

Ranked #339

The Ju surname, originating from the Jin official Xian Qieju during the Spring and Autumn period, is a Han Chinese name with ancestral roots in Bohai and Xindu commanderies. It is historically distributed in Hebei and later spread to Jiangsu and Hubei, known for its military legacy and cultural hall names.

Ranked #340

The Heng surname, pronounced "héng", originated in ancient China from royal ministers' titles, descendants of the Duke of Zhou, and a place name. It is historically associated with the Yanmen and Runan commanderies.

Ranked #341

The Bu clan, originating from Pingyang, has dual roots: from a Jin state fiefdom during the Spring and Autumn period and the Xianbei Bu Lugen surname. It spread from Shandong to southern China, with notable figures like Bu She, and is known for its historical hall names and couplets.

Ranked #342

The Du clan, originating from Liyang Commandery (modern Xun County, Henan), traces its surname to ancestors from the Spring and Autumn period states of Zheng and Qi, notably the handsome and brave official Zidu, with scholarly prominence for over a millennium.

Ranked #343

The Geng surname, pronounced "gěng", has ancient origins in the Shang dynasty, deriving from place names and the state of Geng. It spread from Henan to commanderies like Hedong and Fufeng, with diverse ethnic adoptions, becoming a common Chinese surname.

Ranked #344

The Man surname, pronounced "mǎn", has multiple origins including descent from Emperor Shun via Hu Gong Man, the Hui ethnic name Man Sul, and phonetic changes. Historically rooted in Chinese commanderies like Shanyang and Hedong, it features notable figures like General Man Chong and remains uncommon in China and Taiwan.

Ranked #345

The Hong surname, originating from Spring and Autumn period nobleman Hong Yan, was established in Taiyuan. It became rare after Tang Dynasty naming taboos but persists as a historically significant Chinese family name.

Ranked #346