Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

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 Yu clan, a Chinese surname with ancient origins from official titles, the Zhou Dynasty, the Ji surname, and Xianbei tribes, historically distributed in Yingchuan, Xinye, and Jiyang commanderies, has a modest population and a long, migratory history across various Chinese regions and into Korea.

Ranked #342

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

The Kuang surname, pronounced kuāng, has multiple origins from ancient Chinese states and districts, primarily in Henan and Shandong. Its ancestral founder is Jiu Xu, a governor whose descendants adopted the name. The family prospered in Shandong, with its prominent branch in Jinyang (modern Taiyuan).

Ranked #347

The Guo surname has complex origins from ancient Chinese states like Zheng and Qi, as well as Korean nobility. Its historical distribution was centered in Xipi, Jiangsu, and its "Gongjian Tang" hall name honors the virtue of ancestor Guo Yuan.

Ranked #348

The Wen surname has ancient origins from the Yanmen region, with five main sources: descendants of Zhou's King Wen, a Wei general, the Xu state founder, a Qi noble, and name changes to avoid taboos. It spread from Henan and Shaanxi throughout China after the Tang dynasty.

Ranked #349

The Kou surname, pronounced "kòu", originates from the ancient official title "Sikou" held by figures like Su Fensheng, from the Ji surname, and from Xianbei and Wuhuan ethnic tribes. Historically prominent in commanderies like Fengyi and Shanggu, it is not among China's top 100 surnames today.

Ranked #350

The Guang surname, pronounced Guǎng, is a rare Chinese family name with origins traced to the ancient immortal Guangchengzi or the Han Dynasty's Guangwu family. Its ancestral roots are linked to the historic Danyang Commandery. The name is uncommon, not ranking among the top 100 surnames, with descendants now found in regions like Inner Mongolia, Henan, and Guangdong.

Ranked #351

The Lu surname, pronounced "lù", has ancient origins from the Shang Dynasty, the official "Silu" post in the Zhou Dynasty, and place names in Yunnan. Its ancestral roots are in Fufeng Commandery, with a well-preserved lineage and generational naming system.

Ranked #352

The Que surname, pronounced "quē", originates from ancient Chinese place names like Quegong and Que Dang, with its prominent clan historically based in Xiapí Commandery (modern Jiangsu). It is an uncommon surname, potentially descending from official Tongzi and tracing lineage back to Confucius's neighborhood.

Ranked #353

The ancient Chinese Dong surname, with a 4000-year history, originated from Pingyuan, Shandong. It derives from Emperor Shun's friend Dong Buzi and Fuxi's descendants, making it an ancient lineage with notable ancestral hall traditions.

Ranked #354

The Shu clan, originating from ancient China, has multiple proposed origins including from the Jiang family, a weapon's name, or the You family. It is associated with Wugong Commandery and is known for figures like Southern Taoist Shu Ji Zhen and Qing calligrapher Shu Mo.

Ranked #355