Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

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

The Wo clan, a 3000-year-old Chinese surname, possibly originated from King Woding of the Shang Dynasty or the place Wozhou, with its main historical proliferation center in the Yangtze River basin and prominent families based in Taiyuan.

Ranked #356

The Li surname, with origins tracing to Laozi and fiefdoms in Chu and Jin, primarily grew in Henan. It has multiple roots, including from the Xianbei tribe, and is not among China's top 100 surnames.

Ranked #357

The Wei surname, pronounced "wèi", originates from two main sources: the fief of Weiyi granted to a Zhou prince, and the place name Weizhou. The clan's founder was Prince Pian, and it prospered in the north, with its prominent branch in Langya Commandery (modern Shandong). It is not a top-100 surname in China or Taiwan.

Ranked #358

The Yue surname, originating from Yu the Great, has three main sources: descendants of the Yue State's royalty, King Goujian of Yue, and Northern Xianbei tribes who sinicized their names. It flourished in Jinyang and is historically linked to ancient states and notable figures like Yue Shifu.

Ranked #359

The Kuí clan is an ancient Chinese surname with multiple origins, including from the Yiwei and Mi clans, and Mongolian sinicization. It traces back to figures like music director Kuí and Chu state ruler Xiong Zhi, historically centered in Jingzhao. The clan spread modestly, with notable members like Kuí An of Later Zhao.

Ranked #360

The Long surname, pronounced "lóng," has dual origins from a place in the Lu state and the Xiongnu tribe, with ancestor Long Jiang. Historically centered in Nanyang, its descendants are known for integrity, as exemplified by figures like Long Ying and Long Guangzu.

Ranked #361

The Shi surname, not among China's top 100, originates from ancient musical officials and musicians, with key ancestral regions in Taiyuan, Langya, and Pingyuan. Its roots derive from official titles, musical skills, and personal names.

Ranked #362

The Gong clan, an ancient Chinese surname, originated from the Zhou Dynasty official Gong Jian Gong in Henan's Gong County. It has multiple origins, including a Ji clan fiefdom, Qiang tribes, and Jin State descendants, with key settlements in Shandong and Jiangsu.

Ranked #363

The surname Shè, pronounced "shè", has ancient origins from official titles and ethnic tribes like Xianbei and Qiang, with key historical distribution in Zhejiang's Songyang, Kuocang, and Henan's Luoyang, and is linked to figures such as Han Dynasty's Ku Jun.

Ranked #364

The Nie surname, pronounced niè, has ancient origins in Henan and Shandong with theories linking it to the Jiang or Ji families, a place called Niebei, or later ethnic adoption. It spread from northern China, with its prominent Hedong lineage, to the south and is now found among Han, Manchu, and Tujia peoples.

Ranked #365

The Chao surname, with origins in the Ji, Shi, and Ying lineages, historically flourished in the Jingzhao, Nanyang, and Yingchuan regions. It is a less common Chinese surname, with notable historical figures including the Western Han politician Chao Cuo.

Ranked #366