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jiáSeptember 28, 2025

郏姓

The Yao clan, an ancient Han surname, originated from multiple sources including the Ji and Mi surnames, with ancestral ties to figures like Jia Zhang. It historically flourished in commanderies like Xingyang, Wuling, and Xiangyang. Though not among the top 300 surnames in China, it produced notable scholars and officials who contributed to water management and culture.

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The Yao Clan

Surname: Yao (Jiá)

Distribution of the Yao Clan

  • Xingyang Commandery: Established during the Qin Dynasty, its jurisdiction included present-day Yuanyang City, Henan Province.
  • Wuling Commandery: Corresponds to present-day Changde City, Hunan Province.
  • Xiangyang Commandery: Established in the 13th year of the Jian'an era of the Eastern Han Dynasty (198 AD) by merging parts of the Nan Commandery and Nanyang Commandery. Its administrative center was in Xiangyang (present-day Xiangcheng District, Xiangfan, Hubei Province). Its jurisdiction covered present-day Xiangfan City, Nan Zhang County, Yicheng County, Dangyang County, Yuan'an County, and other areas in Hubei Province.

Origin of the Yao Clan

The Yao surname has the following origins:

  1. It originates from the Ji surname, being a descendant of King Wen of Zhou, Ji Chang, and took the name of a place as its surname.
  2. It originated from the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period, also taking the name of a place as its surname.
  3. It originates from the Mi surname, which was a royal family of the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period.

Ancestor of the Yao Clan: Jia Zhang. According to the “Xing Yuan” (Garden of Surnames), the clan descended from Jia Zhang, a high-ranking official. The prominent members of this clan lived in Wuling Commandery, which is located in the southern part of present-day Xupu County, Henan Province. Descendants of Jia Zhang are revered as the ancestors of the Yao clan.

Migration and Distribution

Although the Yao clan is an ancient Han Chinese surname, its total population does not rank among the top 300 surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. In the Song Dynasty version of the “Hundred Family Surnames,” it was ranked 375th. The Yao clan mainly has two branches: one originated in the early Zhou Dynasty, and the other in the early Spring and Autumn period. Both branches acquired their surname by taking the name of a place. According to the “Yuanhe Xing Zuan” (Compilation of Surnames), during the reign of King Cheng of Zhou, people who settled in the area of Jia adopted the surname Jia. The clan flourished in Xingyang (present-day Chenggao, Henan Province) and Guangling, Hunan Province. After King Ping of Zhou moved the capital eastward, this area became part of the state of Zheng and was called Jia Yi. The second branch of the Yao clan also originated from Jia Zhang; its members lived in Wuling Commandery, which is now in the southern part of Xupu County, Henan Province.

Notable Figures of the Yao Clan:

  • Jia Yuan Ding: A learned scholar who studied under Zheng Quan, was well-versed in classical texts, and made significant contributions to water management. He wrote the “Wu Men Shui Li Shu” (Wu Gate Water Management Book) and served as Minister of Agriculture twice during the Xining and Yuanyou periods.
  • Jia Qiao: Highly regarded by Wang Anshi, he continued his father’s work in water management and made innovative improvements.
  • Jia Lun Kui: A renowned painter from the Qing Dynasty.

The Yao clan can be found in various locations, including Feng County and Zhangjiagang City in Jiangsu Province, Jining City and Jiaxiang County in Shandong Province, Mongcheng County in Anhui Province, Haikou City in Hainan Province, and other areas.

Hall Names (Tang Hao):

  • Xingyang Hall: Established based on the clan’s historical origins in Xingyang.
  • Wuling Hall: Established based on the clan’s historical origins in Wuling.
  • Xiangyang Hall: Established based on the clan’s historical origins in Xiangyang.
  • Sino-Nong Hall: Jia Qiao of the Song Dynasty was a talented individual who completed the compilation of the “Shui Li Shu” (Water Management Book) after his father’s efforts. His father initially served as an advisor to the government in Guangdong and submitted the “Wu Zhong Shui Li Lun” (On Water Management in Wu Region) to the court, which led to Jia Qiao being appointed as Minister of Agriculture. When the emperor, influenced by corrupt officials, removed him from office, Jia Qiao applied the methods outlined in his book to improve water management, resulting in a bountiful harvest. The emperor then reinstated him.
  • San Wu Hall: Jia ?? of the Northern Song Dynasty, a native of Kunshan, was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the imperial examinations) during the Jiaxi period and held positions as Minister of Agriculture and Governor of Wenzhou. He wrote the “Wu Zhong Shui Li Lun,” discussing the advantages and disadvantages of water management in the Wu region, and also authored the “Wu Men Shui Li Shu.”
  • Liu He Hall: Jia Pang of the Tang Dynasty, the governor of Liu He County, was skilled in poetry and left behind many works. The hall is named after his contributions to the local area.

The Yao clan has made significant contributions to Chinese history and culture, with notable individuals from various regions across China.