汲姓
The Ji surname, pronounced jí, originated during China's Spring and Autumn period from two main ancestral lines: descendants of the Ji clan (like King Wen of Zhou) and the Jiang clan (like Duke Xuan of Qi), who adopted the name from their fiefdom, Ji. Historically centered in ancient commanderies like Puyang, Qinghe, and Xihe, the name is now primarily found in China's Henan and Shandong provinces.
The Ji Family Name
Family Name: Ji, pronunciation: jí
Regions Where the Ji Family Name Is Found
- Puyang Commandery: An ancient county name, it was the capital of the state of Wei during the Spring and Autumn period and is located in present-day Puyang County, Henan Province. This commandery was established during the Jin Dynasty and corresponds to the area of Puzhou County in Shandong Province today.
- Qinghe Commandery: According to the book “Junwang Baijiaxing,” the Ji family originated from Qinghe Commandery, which was established during the Han Dynasty. This region spans from Qinghe in Hebei Province to Linqing in Shandong Province.
- Xihe Commandery: As recorded in “Xingshixiaolue,” the Ji family also had its origins in Puyang, Xihe, and Qinghe. This commandery was established during the Han Dynasty and covers the area along the Yellow River between Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces.
Origins of the Ji Family Name
There are two theories regarding the origin of the Ji family name:
- Deriving from the Ji surname: The Ji family descends from the Ji clan, descendants of the Yellow Emperor and King Wen of Zhou (Ji Chang). During the Spring and Autumn period, Kangshu, a descendant of King Wen, was granted a fief in Wei. One of his descendants, Prince Xuan of Wei, lived in Ji (present-day Weihui City, Henan Province), and his descendants adopted the name Ji as their surname. As stated in “Tongzhi. Shizú Lüè. Yiyi Weishi,” “The Ji family originated from Prince Xuan of Wei, who lived in Ji and took the name of the place as their surname.” The prominent Ji clans lived in Puyang (present-day Puyang, Henan Province).
- Deriving from the Jiang surname: This branch of the Ji family also originated during the Spring and Autumn period and took its name from the fief granted to them. They were descendants of Duke Xuan of Qi. During that time, a descendant of Duke Xuan was granted a fief in Ji (present-day Weihui City, Henan Province), and his descendants adopted the name of the fief as their surname. This branch of the Ji family lived in the area from Qinghe (east of present-day Qinghe, Hebei Province) to Linqing in Shandong Province.
Ancestor of the Ji Family Name: Duke Xuan of Qi is considered the ancestor of the Ji family. The Ji family name originated during the Spring and Autumn period, with some branches deriving from the Ji clan and others from the Jiang clan, both taking the names of their fiefs as their surnames.
Hall Names of the Ji Family: Common hall names include “Donghai Hall,” among others.
Distribution and Migration: The Ji family is mainly found in Henan and Shandong provinces. In Henan, the Ji family is primarily located in Shengtiezhong Township, Luyi County, Zhoukou City.
Notes on the Ji Family Name in the “Hundred Family Surnames”: The Ji family name is not among the top 100 surnames in either mainland China or Taiwan.