Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

The Rao surname, with 2200+ years of history, originated from multiple sources including fiefs in Raoyang/Hebei and Qingzhou/Shandong, and descendants of Emperors Yao and Shun. It spread from Pingyang and Linchuan commanderies to southern China, Taiwan, and beyond.

Ranked #376

The Kong surname, with origins in ancient compound surnames like Kong Sang and Kong Tong, traces its ancestry to figures like Yi Yin of the Shang Dynasty. It primarily originated from and is distributed across regions in Shandong and Henan provinces, such as Gongqiu and Dunqiu commanderies.

Ranked #377

The Zeng surname, derived from the Si clan of Yu the Great, originated in Shandong. Its ancient state fell in 567 BCE, leading descendants to adopt "Zeng." The clan spread from Shandong and Hebei, with branches in Lu, Tianshui, and Luling counties, and was also adopted by some minority groups.

Ranked #378

The Wu surname, a rare Chinese clan, traces back over 4,000 years to Wu Ju, a minister of Emperor Yao who invented the qing instrument. Another origin is from the Tian clan during the Spring and Autumn period. Historically prominent in Hedong and Julu counties, its notable families contributed to poetry, scholarship, and governance.

Ranked #379

The Sha clan, with origins in Dongguan and Runan, descends from ancient figures like King Tang or Shennong, and includes lineages from the Sha Sui clan and Hui people, known by hall names like Runan and Ji Min.

Ranked #380

The rare surname Mie, pronounced "niè", originates from Jinchang and Zhao Commanderies, with potential roots in the Ji surname, Mongol descendants, or the Hui ethnic group. It is historically documented but remains very uncommon today.

Ranked #381

The Yang surname, with a 2400-year history, originates from two main sources: descendants of a Wu prince granted the fiefdom of Yang in Chu, and the legendary Chu archer Yang Youji, famed for his "hundred-step willow-piercing" skill.

Ranked #382

The Ju surname, pronounced "jū", originates from the Ji lineage of the Yellow Emperor. Its ancestor, Tutao, was named for palm markings resembling the character "Ju". Historically based in Runan Commandery, the family includes notable figures like Ju Wu of Yan and has a rich cultural heritage with distinct hall names and ancestral couplets.

Ranked #383

The Xu surname has multiple origins in ancient China, stemming from the states of Xugou and Mixu, as well as the place of Xu in Wei, with ancestral ties to figures like Taihao Fuxi and the noble Han dynasty "Luliang Hall."

Ranked #384

The Feng Clan, originating from the Ji surname, descends from Prince Feng of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period. It has historical roots in Songyang County, with migrations across regions like Tianjin, Shandong, and Yunnan. Notable for figures like Feng Ji and Feng Youjun, the clan is known for loyalty and righteousness, though not among the top 100 surnames in China.

Ranked #385

The Chao surname originates from the ancient Youchao clan, credited with inventing tree dwellings, and the state of Youchao. Its prestigious lineage is from Pengcheng Commandery, with ancestors like the hermit Chaofu who refused a throne.

Ranked #386

The Guan surname, pronounced "guān", originates from three main sources: descendants of Emperor Zhuanxu's dragon-tamer Dongfu, descendants of official Guan Yinxi from the Spring and Autumn period, and later adoptions by ethnic minorities. Historically distributed in Longxi and East China regions, the family is associated with "Zhongyi Hall" honoring Guan Yu's loyalty.

Ranked #387

The Kuai clan, with origins in the ancient Kuai state or from nobles of Jin/Wei states like Kuai De, historically centered in Xiangyang. It's a lesser-known surname with a 2000-year history, celebrated in ancestral couplets for its scholars and officials.

Ranked #388

The Xiang surname, pronounced xiàng, has ancient origins from both the Xia and Shang dynasties' royal lineages, with historical distribution in the Xihé and Bā commanderies of ancient China.

Ranked #389

The Chā surname, pronounced "zhā", is an ancient Chinese clan originating from the Spring and Autumn period. It has four main origins, primarily from fiefs in the states of Qi and Chu, with ancestral roots in Shandong. The clan flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now distributed across provinces like Shandong, Anhui, and Jiangsu.

Ranked #390

The Hou surname, originating from ancestors like Houzhao and Ji Gong, is a multi-source Chinese surname historically linked to Donghai Commandery. Its population is not among China's top 300 surnames, with notable distribution and genealogical traditions across various regions.

Ranked #391

The Hong surname, with origins in the Mi and Liu clans, traces back to ancient Chu royalty and Han Dynasty nobility. It derives from ancestral and place names, with key historical distribution in Changping and Henan. It is not among China's top 100 surnames.

Ranked #392

The You clan, originating from the Spring and Autumn period, descends from the Ji surname via ancestors like Gongzi Yan. It prospered in ancient commanderies like Guangping and Fengyi, later migrating widely, now ranking 36th in Taiwan, with a rich heritage of hall names and historical figures.

Ranked #393

The surname Zhu has dual origins: from the ancient Chinese state of Guzhu and from ancient Indian (Tianzhu) Buddhist monks. It is linked to progenitor Zhu Ci of the Han Dynasty and is historically associated with Donghai Commandery, though not among China's top 100 surnames.

Ranked #394

The Qian Clan, originating from Tianshui, Gansu, has two main branches from the Zi and Mi surnames, both adopting the surname from the ancient state of Qian. It produced notable historical figures and is associated with the Zhenxiao Hall, symbolizing loyalty and filial piety.

Ranked #395