Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

The Yun surname, pronounced yún, has ancient origins from the Zhu Rong family, the Jinyun official title, and minority surname conversions. It historically links to Langya and Henan commanderies but is not a top 100 surname in China or Taiwan.

Ranked #41

The Su clan, a Chinese surname pronounced "sū", originated from the ancient state of Su and Xianbei ethnic adoption. It began in Henan's Wen County, with key branches like Fufeng and Wugong forming through migrations south and west. Notable members include the Northern Song's "Three Sus" (Su Shi, Su Xun, Su Zhe). It's China's 41st most common surname, with the largest population in Guangdong.

Ranked #42

The Pan Clan, a major Chinese surname, originated from multiple sources including the Ji and Mi clans and Xianbei tribes. Historically centered in Henan and Hebei, it spread widely across China from the Spring and Autumn period onward, becoming a prominent family with significant branches and influence, now ranking 36th in population.

Ranked #43

The Ge clan, originating from Henan's ancient Ge state, has a lineage tracing back to the Xia Dynasty. It later expanded through migrations across China, notably during the Wei-Jin and Tang-Song periods, with significant populations in Zhejiang and Jiangsu. Key historical figures include Ge Hong, a Jin Dynasty alchemist.

Ranked #44

The Xi surname, one of China's oldest, originated from Xi Zhong, a Xia Dynasty official who invented the chariot, and later from Xianbei tribes. It is not a top-100 surname, with ancestral roots in Jiaoguo County, Anhui, and a history of integration into Chinese civilization.

Ranked #45

The Fan Clan, originating from ancient China, traces its surname to fiefdoms in the Zhou dynasty and the state of Chu. Historically concentrated in regions like Sichuan and Henan, it boasts notable figures such as Fan Zhongyan and has a rich cultural heritage.

Ranked #46

The Peng clan, with origins tracing back to ancient states and figures like Pengzu, migrated from its roots in Jiangsu across China, notably to Hunan and Sichuan. It constitutes about 0.49% of the Han population and includes famous members such as Marshal Peng Dehuai.

Ranked #47

The Lang surname, originating from Ji and other sources like Xiongnu and Manchu, traces back to Fei Bo of Lu's Spring and Autumn Period. It is a distinct Chinese lineage from Zhongshan and Wei commanderies, with notable historical figures.

Ranked #48

The Lu surname, of Ji clan origin from the state of Lu founded by Ji Dan, spread from Shandong after the state's 256 BC conquest. It migrated throughout China over centuries, becoming a common surname ranking 119th among Han Chinese.

Ranked #49

The Wei surname, with origins in ancient states like Shiwei and diverse theories including Han Xin's legend, is a historic Chinese family. It prospered in Jingzhao (Shaanxi), spread nationwide, and produced notable figures like Wei Yingwu. Today, it's most common in Guangxi and Henan, ranking 122nd in China.

Ranked #50

The Chang surname, originating from the Yellow Emperor's descendants like Changyi, is an ancient Chinese clan. It historically flourished in the Ruanan (Henan) and Donghai (Shandong) commanderies and has since spread widely across modern China, including Hubei, Henan, Anhui, and many other provinces.

Ranked #51

The Ma Clan, originating from Handan, China, has multiple origins including simplification from "Mafu," adoption from Western Regions, and Manchu surname changes. Historically centered in Fufeng, it spread widely across China through migration, establishing significant branches and hall names like Tongzhu and Jiangsha, with notable influence in regions like Hunan during the Chu kingdom.

Ranked #52

The Miao clan, originating from official Mi Ben Huang in the Spring and Autumn period, has ancestral roots in Henan's Miao territory. It later flourished in Shangdang, Jiyin, and Dongyang commanderies, migrating south during wartime. The surname also integrates multi-ethnic origins, with notable historical figures across dynasties.

Ranked #53

The Feng surname, an ancient Chinese clan, traces its origins to Emperor Ku and official titles like "Fengniao Shi." It originated from the Gaoxin and Ji clans, with historical distribution in Pingyang and Taiyang commanderies, and is also found among the Hui people.

Ranked #54

The Hua clan, with origins in Dongping, Shandong, traces its 1000+ year history to multiple sources including the He and Fan surnames and the Hui ethnicity. It spread widely across China, producing notable figures like Hua Mulan, and is now highly concentrated in Liaoning province.

Ranked #55

The Fang surname, pronounced fāng, boasts a 4,700-year history originating from the Fang Lei lineage. It spread from Henan, flourished in Anhui and Fujian, and produced notable figures like General Fang Shu of the Zhou Dynasty and revolutionary martyr Fang Weixia.

Ranked #56

The Yu surname, originating from Yu Fu, a physician of the Yellow Emperor, has a 5000-year history. It spread from ancestral homes in He Dong, He Nei, He Jian, and Jiang Ling, with significant migration during the Tang Dynasty, leading to concentrations in Guangdong, Guangxi, and across northern and central China.

Ranked #57

The Ren surname, with ancient origins tracing back to figures like Confucius's disciple Ren Buqi, is a prominent Chinese clan historically concentrated in Shandong, Sichuan, and Henan. Its population, now around 4.2 million, has migrated widely from northern centers to southeastern and western regions over centuries.

Ranked #58

The Yuan clan, originating from Henan's Huaiyang area, descends from ancient emperors like Shun and Xuanyuan. Historically centered in Chenliu, it spread throughout China, with southern branches later outnumbering northern ones. The clan produced notable figures like Yuan Shikai and Yuan Longping, and has a global diaspora.

Ranked #59

The Liu surname, originating from Hedong, has three main roots from Ji, Mi姓氏, and ethnic adoptions. It flourished in Henan/Shandong, spread widely during migrations, and produced notable figures like calligrapher Liu Gongquan and writer Liu Zongyuan.

Ranked #60