Lian Family#

Surname: Lian, pronounced as lián.

Distribution of the Lian Family#

Shangdang Commandery: Established during the Qin Dynasty, its location corresponds to the area east of present-day Qinshui, Shanxi. Records in “Jun Wang Bai Jia Xing” (A Look at the Hundred Family Surnames) and “Xing Shu Kao Lüe” (A Brief Study of Surnames) indicate that the Lian family originated from Shangdang Commandery.

Origins of the Lian Family#

1. Origin from the ancient Zhuanshu and Gaoxin clans: The third son of Lu Zhong, a descendant of Zhuanshu, was named Hui Lian. His descendants adopted their ancestor’s name as their surname, thus forming the Lian family.
2. Derived from official titles: The Lian family also has origins related to official positions. During the Spring and Autumn period, there were officials with the titles “Lian Ao” and “Lian Yin” in the state of Chu, and these titles were later adopted as surnames.
3. Origin from the Jiang clan: Descendants of the noble family of the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period adopted their ancestor’s name as their surname.

Migration and Settlement

The prominent Lian family resided in Shangdang (which is now Changzhi, Shanxi).

Hall Names

Qing Dong Hall: During the Song Dynasty, the brothers Lian Shu and Lian Yang were both highly respected. Lian Shu was intelligent and incorruptible, earning the nickname “Lian Di Qing” (Pure as Ice). Lian Yang, on the other hand, was known for his clarity and fairness in handling affairs, earning the nickname “Lian Di Dong” (Cold as Ice). Qing Dong Hall is also sometimes referred to as Shuang Xian Hall (Hall of the Two Worthies). Other hall names for the Lian family include Zhan Yi Hall, Shangdang Hall, and Wugong Hall.

Notable People with the Lian Surname

• Lian Shunbin: Also known as Fu Zhi, he was from Yingshan during the Song Dynasty. After failing the local examinations at a young age, he returned home to care for his parents and never took the exams again. His family was wealthy, and he used much of his wealth to help the local people. He focused on educating his sons, Lian Shu and Lian Yang. He once said, “I do not desire wealth; educating my sons is my greatest treasure.” Both sons later became successful officials and were highly respected by the people for their integrity.
• Lian Shu: Also known as Ju Xi, he was from Yingshan, Anzhou. He passed the imperial examinations during the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song and served as the magistrate of Shangshui and Shouchun. He promoted education and respected the local customs. He opened up thousands of acres of land along the Huai River, bringing great prosperity to the region. When the old fortresses of the Huainan King were at risk during a flood, he suggested using the bricks from the fortresses to build the city walls, arguing that such ancient artifacts should be preserved for future generations. He later requested to oversee the taxation in Chenzhou due to his elderly mother’s needs. Upon seeing the dust from the west wind at sunset while seeing off guests, he felt inspired and requested to resign. Later, the scholars Ouyang Xiu and Zu Wu Ze praised his literary talent and moral character, recommending him for high office. He eventually became the magistrate of Kunshan County but declined the position. He died after serving in various other roles.
• Lian Zong: (Birth and death years unknown), also known as Hui Chuan, was from Min County. A famous poet of the Tang Dynasty, he passed the imperial examinations during the Xiantong period and was highly regarded as a literary figure by Wen Tingyun.
• Lian Nanfu (1085–1143): Also known as Peng Ju, he was from Yingshan. He passed the imperial examinations in the second year of the Zhenghe period and held various official positions, including Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat and Governor of Jiankang. He was later exiled to Quanzhou for offending the powerful minister Qin Hui. He lived in seclusion in Xiu Mountain, Longxi County, and died in 1143. His descendants are known as the Lian Shan branch of the family.
• Lian Jiudao: (Birth and death years unknown), also known as Ke Jiu, was a famous poet and Taoist of the Song Dynasty. He began writing poetry at the age of twelve. His father introduced him to the local scholar Xiong Qugeng, who wrote a poem in response and predicted that Lian Jiudao would not stay in a life of wealth and luxury. Lian Jiudao indeed became a Taoist priest, wearing feathers and flying between the western mountains.
• Lian Kuang: Also known as Bai Shi, he was from Yongnian, Hebei. He passed the imperial examinations during the Jiajing period and served in various government roles, including as an imperial censor and minister of the Ministry of War. He was highly respected for his contributions to water management and disaster relief in his region.

These individuals are just a few examples of the notable individuals with the Lian surname throughout history.