暴姓
The Bao clan, of Ji lineage, originated from Duke Xin's fiefdom of Bao during the Eastern Zhou, later adopting the state's name. Geographically centered in ancient Hedong, its notable Tanghao halls, "Gengjie" and "Dingyang," honor upright officials like Bao Zhao and the noble Bao Xian.
The Clan Name “Bao”
The clan name is Bao, pronounced as “bào”.
Geographic Distribution of the Bao Clan
The area where the Bao clan was located corresponds to the region between present-day Weixian County in Hebei Province, Xun County in Henan Province, and Guan County in Shandong Province. The Hedong Commandery was established during the Qin Dynasty; its administrative center was in Anyi County (now northwest of Xiaxian County, Shanxi Province), which corresponds to the area east of the Yellow River within Shanxi Province today.
Origin of the Bao Clan Name
The name “Bao” originates from the Ji (姬) clan. During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, a royal official named Xin was enfeoffed in Baoyi (north of present-day Zhengzhou, Henan Province), where he established the state of Bao. Since his title was that of a duke, he was known as Duke Xin of Bao. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the state of Bao was absorbed by the state of Zheng, and its people adopted the name of their former state as their own clan name, thus becoming the Bao clan.
Clan Halls (Tanghao)
- “Gengjie Hall”: During the Ming Dynasty, Bao Zhao served as an official in the Ministry of Justice and later as the Deputy Minister of Punishments. He also held positions such as Chief Censor and Minister of Punishments. He was known for his integrity, clear sense of right and wrong, and high moral principles.
- “Dingyang Hall”: During the Northern Qi Dynasty, a person named Bao Xian was granted the title of Prince of Dingyang.