The Qian Clan#

Clan Name: Qian, pronounced as “quán”

Areas Where the Qian Clan Is Found**#

Tianshui: A commandery established in the early Western Han Dynasty, corresponding to the areas of Tianshui and Longxi in present-day Gansu Province, to the east.

Origin of the Qian Clan Name**#

The name “Qian” originates from Tianshui Commandery, located in the southwest of present-day Tongwei County, Gansu.

Origins of the Qian Clan

There are two branches of the Qian Clan:

1. One branch stems from the Zi surname. According to the “Tang Shu: Zai Xiang Shi Xi Table,” Emperor Gaozong of the Shang Dynasty, Wu Ding, had a son who was enfeoffed in the state of Qian (located southeast of present-day Dangyang, Hubei). During the Spring and Autumn Period, Qian was conquered by the state of Chu, and the people moved to the area of Na (present-day Jingmen, Hubei). Shortly thereafter, Na was also conquered by the state of Ba. The descendants of the people from Qian adopted the name of the state, “Qian,” as their surname.
2. The other branch originates from the Mi surname. After King Wu of Chu conquered Qian, he turned Qian into a county and appointed the grandson of a high-ranking official named Ruo’ao as the governor of Qian County. Later, Ruo’ao led a rebellion but was defeated and killed. His descendants adopted the name of the place, “Qian,” as their surname.

Notable Figures of the Qian Clan

Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals with the Qian surname. During the Han Dynasty, there was Quan Zhong, who served as an assistant to a military officer. In the Northern and Southern Dynasties, there were Quan Ji and Quan Hui. During the Tang Dynasty, there was the chancellor Quan Qingyu, and in the Song Dynasty, there was the deputy chancellor Quan Bangyan.

Hall Names

Zhenxiao Hall: “Zhen” (loyalty) refers to loyalty to the state, and “Xiao” (filial piety) refers to respect for one’s parents. During the Tang Dynasty, there was Quan Gao, who initially worked under An Lushan. When he discovered An Lushan’s plot to rebel, he feared for the safety of his parents and feigned illness to leave his post. Just as he crossed the river, An Lushan launched his rebellion. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang offered Quan Gao the position of imperial censor, but Quan Gao declined, citing his mother’s serious illness and his need to care for her. He later refused other positions, including that of court attendant and writer, also on the grounds of caring for his mother. People admired his dedication to his mother and his loyalty to the state. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title “Xiaozhen” (filial and loyal).