刘姓
The Liu surname, one of China's most prominent with the fourth-highest population, originates from ancient clans and Emperor Yao's descendants. It spread widely as Liu clan members founded the Han dynasty and other states, leading to significant distribution across China, Korea, and even Japan.
The Liu Clan
Surname: Liu, pronounced as "liú"
Distribution of the Liu Clan**
Lin Tao County, Gansu Province; Ding Tao County, Shandong Province
Origin of the Liu Clan
The Liu surname originates from ancient China and is one of the most prominent surnames in the country, with the fourth-highest population. Throughout Chinese history, many members of the Liu clan have ascended to the throne and become emperors. There is a saying that "Liu ruled the world, while Li ruled half of it," and in northern China, the phrase "Zhang, Wang, Li, Zhao, and Liu are everywhere" is common. The Liu clan is also found in Korea. According to Japanese records, the third-largest Japanese surname, Takahashi, is derived from the Liu clan in China and is a descendant of Liu Bang. In a 1977 article published by the Chinese historian Li Dongming in the magazine "Eastern Magazine," the Liu clan was identified as one of the top ten surnames among Chinese people worldwide.
Origins of the Liu Clan:
- From the Qi and Tao Tang Clans: Liu Bang, a descendant of Emperor Yao (also known as Yi Qi Fang Xun), was granted the fief of Liu (present-day Tang County, Hebei Province), where he established the state of Liu. His descendants adopted the name of their fief as their surname. It is said that Liu Bang was the leader of the ancient Qi and Tao Tang tribes and was respected as one of the Five Emperors.
- From the Jin State: Liu Lei, a descendant of Emperor Yao, served King Kong Jia of the Xia dynasty and was granted the surname "Yulong" for his services. During the Shang dynasty, his descendants moved to Lu County and later to Du (present-day Du Ling, Xi'an), where they became the Du family.
- From the Shi Clan of the Jin State: Another branch of the Liu clan originated from the Shi family, who served King Kong Jia and were granted the fief of Tang. After the fall of the Shang dynasty, they moved to Du.
- From the Ji Clan: Some Liu descendants traced their origin to the Ji clan, who were granted the fief of Liu during the Zhou dynasty.
- From the Ji and Tang Clans: Another branch of the Liu clan originated from the Ji and Tang tribes and adopted the state name as their surname.
Migration and Distribution of the Liu Clan**
Due to the prominence of the Liu clan during the Eastern and Western Han dynasties, its members spread throughout China, with populations in Lin Tao, Zhongshan, Nanyang, Pengcheng, and other regions.
Notable Figures with the Liu Surname**
- Liu Lei: A descendant of Emperor Yao, he learned dragon breeding techniques and was granted the surname "Yulong" for his services.
- Liu Kang Gong: The first ruler of the Liu Zi state during the Zhou dynasty.
- Liu Bang: The founder of the Han dynasty, who established the Han Empire.
- Liu Heng: The third emperor of the Han dynasty, known for his prudent and virtuous rule.
- Liu Xun: The tenth emperor of the Han dynasty, who promoted Confucianism.
- Liu Zhen: A general who surrendered to the Han dynasty during the Qin-Han conflict.
- Liu Qi: A descendant of Emperor Yao, who adopted the state name as his surname.
- Liu Chong: The founder of the Liu clan during the Eastern Zhou dynasty.
- Liu Xi: A famous general and scholar during the Eastern Han dynasty.
- Liu Wen: A member of the Liu clan who changed his surname to show gratitude for imperial favors.
- Liu Hong: The last emperor of the Han dynasty.
- Liu Bian: A military leader during the Three Kingdoms period.
- Liu Zhenliang: A eunuch who changed his surname during the Han dynasty.
The Liu clan has a rich history and a wide distribution throughout China, with populations in various regions.