The Si Tu Clan#

** Clan Name:** Si Tu, pronounced as sī tú

Regions Where the Si Tu Clan Is Found**#

The Si Tu clan is known to originate from Zhaojun. During the reign of Emperor Gao of the Han Dynasty, Handan, which was part of the Qin Dynasty, was renamed Zhao. In the Jian'an period of the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was officially designated as Zhaojun.

Origins of the Si Tu Clan Name#

The name “Si Tu” has two possible origins:

1. It derives from the Ji surname and is a descendant of Emperor Shun. When Emperor Yao was the leader of the Yan and Huang tribes, Shun served as the Si Tu (Minister of Works), responsible for managing land affairs, which is why he was also known as “Tu Si” (meaning “Minister of the Land”). Some of Shun’s descendants adopted this official title as their surname.
2. During the Spring and Autumn period, Xia Wu, a prominent official from the State of Wei, had a son named Xia Qi who also held the position of Si Tu. The title “Si Tu” was a historical official position that existed during the times of Yao and Shun, responsible for educating the people and administrative affairs. During the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, the Si Tu position was one of the six high-ranking officials, equivalent to that of a prime minister.

Distribution of the Si Tu Clan

The total number of people with the Si Tu surname does not rank among the top 100 in mainland China or Taiwan Province. However, in the Song Dynasty version of the “Hundred Family Surnames,” it was ranked 439th, and among compound surnames, it was 31st. The Si Tu clan originated from the ancient official position of Si Tu, which was responsible for state administration. Some descendants of these officials adopted this title as their surname. Similar to other surnames like Sikong (Minister of Works) and Sima (Minister of War), the title Si Tu initially referred to an official position. This position was established during the Western Zhou Dynasty; in the early Western Zhou period, the inscription on bronze vessels used the term “Si Tu,” and later it was used alongside “Si Tu” and other titles, collectively referred to as the “Three High Officials.” The Si Tu was in charge of conscripting laborers and managing agricultural and other labor services.

Migration and Distribution

The Si Tu clan has not made it into the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan Province. In the Song Dynasty’s “Hundred Family Surnames,” it was ranked 439th, and among compound surnames, it was 31st. The Si Tu clan originated from the historical position of Si Tu, which was responsible for state administration. Some descendants of officials who held this position adopted it as their surname. Like other related surnames, Si Tu initially referred to an official position. The position of Si Tu existed during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, overseeing the people, land, education, and administrative affairs. In the Zhou Dynasty, it was equivalent to the position of prime minister, and many states during the Spring and Autumn period continued to use this system. It is said that Shun served as Si Tu under Yao, and his descendants adopted this official title as their surname. The Si Tu clan is mainly found in the central part of Hebei Province, in the areas around Zhao County and Handan.

Ancestor of the Clan

Yu Shun is considered the ancestor of the Si Tu clan. “Si Tu” was an ancient official title that originated over 4,000 years ago during the Tang and Yu dynasties, responsible for managing the people and land education. The name of this position varied throughout history; for example, during the Qing Dynasty, the Minister of Revenue was referred to as the “Great Si Tu.” According to historical records such as the “Records of the Grand Historian” and the “Tongzhi: Clan Profiles,” Yu Shun served as the Si Tu under Yao, and some of his descendants adopted this official title as their surname. The prominent members of the clan lived in Zhaojun (the area around present-day Zhao County, Hebei Province), which is considered the homeland and birthplace of the Si Tu clan.

Hall Name of the Clan

The clan’s hall name is “Cangming Hall.” During the Tang Dynasty, Si Tu Ying served as the Grand Master of Rites (Taichang Qing). During the Taihe period, he resigned from his official position and chose to live in seclusion, refusing repeated offers to return to government service. The clan is thus named after his hall, “Cangming Hall.”

Notable People with the Si Tu Surname**#

Si Tu Ying: A person from the Tang Dynasty. In the first year of the Taihe era (827 AD), when Emperor Wenzong of Tang ascended the throne, he was well aware of the problems of previous dynasties and sought to reform the government. He appointed Si Tu Ying as the Grand Master of Rites. Si Tu Ying released more than 3,000 palace maids, eliminated unnecessary food supplies, and improved governance. However, years later, eunuchs gained power, leading to corruption and waste. Seeing this situation, Si Tu Ying resolutely decided to resign and return to his hometown, refusing to serve in a corrupt government.