The Ben Family Name#

Family Name: Ben, Pronunciation: bēn

Geographical Distribution of the Ben Family Name#

Southeastern part of Anhui Province

Origins of the Ben Family Name#

The origin of the “Ben” family name can be traced to several sources:

1. From the Ji surname: It originates from Xian Benfu, a nobleman from the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period. His descendants adopted his name as their family name, which has been passed down through generations and is considered one of the authentic branches of the Ben family.
2. From the Rong tribe: It originates from the Benhun Rong tribe, a branch of the Northern Rong during the Spring and Autumn period. The family name was derived from the name of the tribe.
3. From the Mi surname: It originates from Miao Benfu, a high-ranking official from the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period. His descendants also adopted his name as their family name.
4. From the Ying surname: It originates from the State of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period, with the family name derived from the name of a prominent ancestor.
5. From a special title: It originated from a warrior during the Western and Eastern Zhou periods, with the family name deriving from the title of the warrior.
6. From an official position: It originates from the Hu Ben family, officials during the Western Zhou period, with the family name derived from their official titles.
7. From a place name: It originates from Benquan in the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period, with the family name derived from the name of the location where they lived.
8. From the Xianbei tribe: It originated from the Tuoba branch of the Xianbei people during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, with the family name being a result of Hanization.

Distribution and Migration

The Ben family name does not rank among the top 100 most common family names in mainland China or Taiwan. It originated in the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period. There was a nobleman named Xian Benfu in Lu, and his descendants adopted the name “Ben” as their family name. Another theory suggests that a nobleman named Miao Benfu from the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period also had descendants who adopted the name “Ben”. According to the ancient text “Fengguo Tong”, there was a nobleman named Ren Benfu in the State of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period who lived in Luan (around present-day Qufu, Shandong Province); his descendants were also known as the Ben family. In ancient times, many prominent Ben families came from Xuancheng. According to “Mingxian Shizú Yanxíng Leigǎo”, the Ben family is descended from Xian Benfu. “Xìngmì Kǎolüè” indicates that the pronunciation of “Ben” can also be “fei”, “fen”, or “ben”. There are also records in “Gongyang Chunqiu” that the ancient pronunciation of “Benhun” was either “liu” or “ben”. This not only shows the historical presence of the Ben family but also provides clues for its origins. Many scholars believe that the Benhun tribe, once considered part of the Western Rong, assimilated with the Han people and adopted the name “Ben” as their family name. Prominent Ben families were located in Xuancheng Commandery (around present-day Xuancheng County, Anhui Province).

Famous People with the Ben Family Name#

Ben He: A general during the Han Dynasty. After Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, established the Han Dynasty, he granted titles of nobility to meritorious ministers. However, some of these nobles built their own armies and rebelled against Liu Bang. Ben He offended Ying Bu and, fearing execution, fled to Chang'an and revealed Ying Bu’s rebel plans. Upon learning of this, Ying Bu immediately launched a rebellion and killed Ben He’s entire family. Liu Bang then appointed Ben He as a general to suppress the rebellion, and Ben He played a key role in quelling it, earning him the title of Marquis of Qisi. The Ben family remained prominent for more than 400 years during the Han Dynasty.