The Chi Family#

Surname: Chi, Pronunciation: chí

Distribution of the Chi Family#

The Chi family, which originated in the Central Plains, underwent a period of migration and by the Ming and Qing dynasties, had become widely prevalent in the southern regions of Fujian, Guangdong, and Yunnan.

Origins of the Chi Family Name#

The name “Chi” can originate from the following sources:

1. It may derive from the Ying surname, which emerged during the Warring States period in the state of Qin. During that time, there was a royal prince named Gongzi Chi who served as the Grand Marshal of Qin. His descendants adopted his name as their surname, thus forming the Chi lineage.
2. The surname can also be based on the place of residence. According to “Fengsu Tong,” “Surnames derived from places include those related to cities, walls, gardens, and ponds.” In ancient times, city walls were called “cheng” or “yuan,” and the moats surrounding them were referred to as “chi.” Those who lived near these moats adopted “chi” as their surname. The idiom “When the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat suffer” illustrates this usage, referring to the use of moat water to extinguish fires, which often caused harm to the fish.

Hall Names

“Tongan Hall”: This hall name is associated with Chi Yude from the Ming dynasty. A native of Tongan, he became famous for his achievements as a scholar and later served as the Vice Minister of the Imperial Academy.

Migration and Distribution

According to “Tongzhi·Shizú Lüe·Yǐ Dì Wéi Shì,” the Chi family originated from Xiping. Today, it is a prominent surname in Fuzhou. Additionally, according to “Xìngmì Kaolüe,” the Chi family can also be found in Chenliu. The main distribution areas include:

• Xiping Commandery: During the Jian'an period of the Eastern Han dynasty (196–219 AD), the Jincheng Commandery was divided into Xiping Commandery, located in what is now Xining, Qinghai province. At the end of the Eastern Jin dynasty, it was occupied by Tuoba Wugu, who established his capital there.
• Chenliu Commandery: In the 26th year of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s reign (221 BC), Chenliu County was established, and during the Han dynasty, it was elevated to Chenliu Commandery, located in what is now Kaifeng, Henan province.

Notable People with the Surname Chi

• Chi Yude: Also known as Mingzhou, he was from Tongan during the Ming dynasty. A scholar who served as the magistrate of Suichang County, he was known for his integrity, fairness, and ability to resolve issues logically. He was deeply loved by the people for his efforts to alleviate their hardships. He eventually became the Vice Minister of the Imperial Academy.
• Chi Shengchun: Also known as Jianzhi, he was from Chuxiong during the Qing dynasty. A scholar who served as the director of the Imperial Academy during the Daoguang period. He was generous and well-mannered, skilled in calligraphy, and authored works such as “Ruqin Riji,” “Zhili Ju,” and “Shiwén Shènggǎo.”
• Chi Fengcheng: Originally named Fengchen, he was from Jingxian, Hebei. Born in the 29th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing dynasty (1903), he held military positions in Feng Yuxiang’s forces during the Republican era. He later became the commander of the 31st Division of the 2nd Group Army of the National Revolutionary Army, the commander of the 31st Division of the 26th Army, and held several other high-ranking military positions. He passed away in March 1955 at the age of 53.

The Chi family has a long and illustrious history with significant contributions to various regions and periods in Chinese history.