Ji Surname#

Surname: Ji, pronounced as “jì”.

Distribution of the Ji Surname#

• Yuhang Jun: Originally part of Kuaiji Jun under the Qin Dynasty, it later became part of Wu Jun during the Eastern Han Dynasty. During the Southern Chen Dynasty, Qiantang Jun was established here, and it was renamed Yuhang Jun in the Sui Dynasty. This area is now within the jurisdiction of Zhejiang Province.
• Bohai Jun: Established during the Western Han Dynasty, it is located in the Bohai Bay region of present-day Hebei Province and Liaoning Province.

Origin of the Ji Surname#

The Ji surname has two possible origins:

1. Derived from a fiefdom: A descendant of Peng Zu served as a count during the Shang Dynasty. Some of his descendants were granted the fiefdom of Ji, which is located in present-day Dongmo Township, Jiangyang County, Jiangsu Province; others were in Changshu County. These descendants adopted Ji as their surname.
2. **Derived from the surname “Gai”: Fugai, the brother of King Fuchai of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period, had descendants who adopted the surname “Gai.” To avoid persecution, they later changed their surname to Ji. Additionally, the characters for “Ji” and “Ji” are interchangeable, which may have led to some confusion and intentional changes in spelling.

Ancestor of the Ji Surname: Peng Zu. According to ancient texts such as “Xing Kao” and “Xing Shi Kao Lue,” a descendant of Peng Zu was granted the fiefdom of Ji, and his descendants adopted this as their surname. Peng Zu, known for living to be 800 years old, is one of the Five Emperors of ancient China. Therefore, although the Ji surname has mainly been prevalent in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, its roots can be traced back to the Yellow Emperor.

Distribution of the Ji Surname: The Ji surname is not among the top 100 most common surnames in either mainland China or Taiwan. The name “Ji” originally referred to a place name from ancient times; the area now known as Zhuji is located in Jiangyin County, Jiangsu Province. Later, nobles were granted the fiefdom of Zhuji, and their descendants adopted this as their surname.

Notable Figures with the Ji Surname:

• Ji Xun of the Jin Dynasty was granted the title of “Guannai Hou” for his filial piety. A memorial archway was erected in front of his home to honor his virtues.
• Ji Tao of the Song Dynasty was the first to rank first in the imperial examinations.

Hall Names:

• Guannai Hall and Jingxiao Hall are associated with notable individuals with the Ji surname.

Common Couplets for Ji Surname Ancestral Halls:

• Four-character Couplets:
  • “Selecting the worthy; Honoring filial piety.” This couplet refers to Ji Yan of the Three Kingdoms period, who was recommended by his fellow townsman Zhang Wen (a high-ranking official) to serve in the court. He was known for his integrity and criticized many officials for incompetence.
  • “A historian of integrity.” This couplet refers to Ji Maoyan of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, who served as the governor of Guangchang and was honored for his filial piety.

Seven-character and longer Couplets:

• “Criticizing officials with clear judgment; Excelling in the imperial examinations.” This couplet refers to Ji Yan’s ability to identify and address problems in the government, as well as Ji Tao’s achievements in literature and music during the Song Dynasty.