The Man Family Name#

Family Name: Man, pronounced as “mǎn”

Regions Where the Man Family Name is Found#

Shanyang Commandery: There were two locations of Shanyang Commandery during different periods. One was established during the Jianyuan era of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and was located within present-day Shandong Province, with its administrative center in Changyi, which is approximately northwest of present-day Jin County, Shandong. The other Shanyang Commandery was created during the Eastern Jin Dynasty from Guangling Commandery, with its center in Shanyang, corresponding to present-day Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province.

Hedong Commandery: This commandery was established during the Qin Dynasty and corresponded to the area west of the Yellow River in present-day Shanxi Province.

Runan Commandery: Established during the Han Dynasty, its administrative center was in Shangcai, which is southwest of present-day Shangcai County, Henan Province.

Origin of the Man Family Name#

The Man family name has three possible origins:

1. From the Gui surname: Descendants of Emperor Shun, they adopted their ancestor's name as their own surname. In the early Western Zhou Dynasty, after King Wen of Zhou defeated the Shang Dynasty, he granted Hu Gong Man the title of Duke of Chen and established the state of Chen. When Chen was conquered by the Chu Dynasty, its descendants adopted the name of their state as their surname. Some also adopted the state name “Chen” as their surname.
2. From the Hui ethnic group: The Man surname originates from the given name “Man Sul” (also translated as “Man Sul”), which means “victor.” Man Sul was the second caliph of the Abbasid dynasty in Islamic history. His original name was Abu Jafar, and he established systems for administration, finance, and postal services in Baghdad, making him a founder of the dynasty. This origin is particularly relevant for the Hui community.
3. From a change in another surname: The Man surname sometimes resulted from a mispronunciation of another existing surname.

Ancestor of the Man Family: Hu Gong Man. According to the “Shangyou Lu,” the Man family descended from Hu Gong Man and later changed their surname to Man. This branch of the family lived in Hedong Commandery (north of present-day Xia County, Shanxi Province).

Distribution of the Man Family: The Man family name is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan.

Origins of the Man Family Name (continued):

• The Man surname also has a connection to the Hui ethnic group, as some Hui people use the name “Man Sul” as their surname.
• The Man surname can also originate from a change in another surname, with the name “Man” evolving from a mispronunciation of another existing surname (e.g., from “Man” to “Man”).

Historical Figures with the Man Surname:

• Man Chong: A general under Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms period, known for his bravery and integrity. He was awarded the title of Marquis of Changyi for his services to the Wei state.
• Man Chang: A scholar from Yingchuan during the Han Dynasty who studied the “Qi Shi” poetry and served as a high-ranking official.

Common Couplets for Man Family Ancestral Halls:

• Couplets about the Origins of the Man Surname:

  • “The family lineage traces back to Shun; our ancestors came from Shanyang.” (Refers to the family's historical roots in Shanyang Commandery.)
  • “Marqued as Marquis of Changyi; honored for his integrity.” (Honors Man Chong for his integrity and military achievements.)

• Couplets about the Man Family's Legacy:

  • “Father and son both became marquises; grandfather and grandson were both generals.” (References to Man Chong and his son, both holding high military ranks.)
  • “With a firm resolve and strategic wisdom; leaving no wealth behind.” (Describes the family's reputation for integrity and frugality.)

Notes on the Man Family Name:

• The Man family name is primarily associated with the Hui ethnic group and has multiple origins, including a change in pronunciation from another surname and a historical connection to the Gui and Huizhou regions.