Trace the Roots of Every Chinese Family Name

The Feng Clan, originating from the Ji surname of the Zhou Dynasty, descends from Zi Yu, who was enfeoffed as Feng Hou. It became a prominent Jingzhao family and spread across regions, with notable historical figures including Feng Qing and Feng Yinchu.

Ranked #61

The Bao surname, pronounced "bào", originates from two sources: descendants of Yu the Great granted the fiefdom Baoyi, and Xianbei tribes adopting the name. Historically centered in Shandong, its population, now 670,000, is primarily distributed in Zhejiang, Shandong, Qinghai, and Jiangsu. The renowned ancestor Bao Shuya was a Spring and Autumn Period official famous for his friendship with Guan Zhong.

Ranked #62

The Shi surname, ranking 85th in China with ~3 million bearers, has diverse origins from official historians, Central Asian states, and Turkic clans. Historically distributed across commanderies like Jiankang and Gaomi, its members, such as Ming loyalist Shi Kefa, have held significant roles throughout Chinese history.

Ranked #63

The Tang surname, a major Chinese clan ranking 25th with over 7.8 million people, originates from Emperor Yao and the Qiang tribes. Historically concentrated in Jinchang and other commanderies, its population is now primarily centered in Hunan and Sichuan, with significant growth and migration towards southwestern China over centuries.

Ranked #64

The Fei clan, with origins in the Xia Dynasty and Spring and Autumn period, was historically distributed across Jiangxia and Langya commanderies and includes notable historical figures such as Fei Zhong, Fei Hong, and Fei Mi.

Ranked #65

The Lian surname, an ancient Chinese name, originated from descendants of Emperor Zhuanxu or a Yuan Dynasty official. The clan prospered in the Hedong Commandery and is known for figures like General Lian Po from the Warring States period.

Ranked #66

The Cen Clan, originating from Ji Yao's son Qu enfeoffed at Cen Ting, ranks 67th in the Song Dynasty's top surnames. Historically prominent in Nanyang, it spread nationwide, producing notable figures like generals Cen Peng and poet Cen Shen, with branches including Nanyang and Zhangqing.

Ranked #67

The Xue surname, a major Chinese family name ranking 48th with over 6.72 million people, originated from ancient states and titles in Shandong. It is now widely distributed across China, with significant populations in Jiangsu, Shaanxi, and Henan.

Ranked #68

The Lei surname, originating from figures like Fang Lei and Lei Gong, has ancient roots in Chinese history. It flourished in commanderies like Fengyi and Yuzhang, spreading from the Central Plains to southern China and integrating into various ethnic groups, producing notable figures throughout history.

Ranked #69

The He surname, ranking 97th in China, originated from the Qing surname and Xianbei tribes, with key commanderies in Huaiji, Henan, and Guangping. It spread widely after the Han dynasty, producing notable figures like Tang poet He Zhizhang and Marshal He Long.

Ranked #70

The Ni surname, ranked 111th in China, originated from Shandong's Qiancheng Commandery, primarily deriving from the state of Zhuzhou. It evolved from the "Er" surname to avoid persecution and spread widely after the Han Dynasty, producing notable historical figures like Ni Kuan, Ni Zan, and Ni Yuanlu.

Ranked #71

The Tang clan, a Chinese surname ranking 100th with 2 million people, originated from Emperor Cheng Tang and evolved through historical changes. It spread from ancient Zhongshan and Fanyia

Ranked #72

The Teng Clan, an ancient Chinese surname, originated from the Yellow Emperor's descendants and the state of Teng granted to Cuo Shuxiu during the Western Zhou. It prospered in Nanyang Commandery, with notable branches and figures like Teng Wengong, and has a rich heritage spanning over 3000 years.

Ranked #73

The Yin Clan, a Chinese surname ranking 104th, originates from the Shang Dynasty, with ancestral founder Yin Qi. Historically centered in Henan, it spread widely, now having nearly 1.7 million people, concentrated in Yunnan and Jiangsu, accounting for key population proportions.

Ranked #74

The Luo clan, a top-20 Chinese surname with over 10 million people, originated from the ancient state of Luo and Xianbei/ Turkic ancestors. It is concentrated in Sichuan, Guangdong, and Hunan, with significant migration to western/southern China. Notable members include novelist Luo Guanzhong and Marshal Luo Ronghuan.

Ranked #75

The Bi surname, ranked 125th in China, originates from King Wen of Zhou's son Bi Gong Gao, with roots in Henan, Shandong, and Shanxi. It evolved from the Ji and Ren surnames and spread during the Zhou dynasty, with notable individuals like author Bi Shimen.

Ranked #76

The Hao surname, a classic northern Chinese name ranking 71st in prevalence, originated in late Shang Taiyuan. Historically concentrated in northern China, particularly Shanxi, it began southward migration during the Song dynasty and is now widely distributed, with the largest populations in Henan, Shanxi, and Hebei.

Ranked #77

The Wu clan, originating from two Spring and Autumn period lineages (Qu Yuan and Wu Zang), is historically linked to the State of Jin. Its founders are Sima Mimou and Wu Zang, and it is distributed in regions like Shanxi and Jiangxi, possessing a rich historical heritage.

Ranked #78

The An surname, of Western Regions and Xianbei origin, has a complex history including migration, the An Lushan Rebellion, and population shifts. Currently, 1.7 million people bear the name, ranking 110th in China, concentrated in Hebei, Anhui, Shandong, and Liaoning.

Ranked #79

The Chang surname, ranking 94th in China, originated from ancient states and name changes, with key ancestral regions including Taiyuan and Pingyuan. Historically prominent in Henan and Shandong, it spread nationwide, with notable figures like Chang Yuchun, and is now most common in Henan, Shanxi, and Heilongjiang.

Ranked #80