The Xi Clan#

Surname: Xi, pronounced as “xì”

Distribution Areas#

Ji Yang Commandery: During the Warring States period, it was a city of the Wei state. In the Western Han dynasty, it was renamed Ji Yang County, with its administrative center located in the northeastern part of present-day Lankao County, Henan Province.
Ji Yin Commandery: In the sixth year of Emperor Jing of Han’s reign (144 AD), Ji Yin State was established. In the first year of Emperor Yuan of Han’s reign (48 BC), it was renamed Ji Yin Commandery, with its administrative center in Ding Tao (present-day Ding Tao, Shandong Province). At that time, its jurisdiction covered the areas around Heze, Shandong, extending south to Ding Tao and north to Pucheng. In the first year of Emperor Yuan of the Eastern Han dynasty (48 BC), it was again renamed Ji Yin Commandery, with its jurisdiction in the Ding Tao County area of present-day Shandong Province.
Shan Yang Commandery: There were two versions of Shan Yang Commandery in ancient times:
① In the sixth year of Emperor Jing of Han’s reign (144 BC), the Liang state was divided to form Shan Yin State. Later, during Emperor Wu of Han’s reign (140–135 BC), it was renamed Shan Yang Commandery again, with its jurisdiction in the Jinxian County area around Dushan Lake, Shandong Province.
② During the Yixi period of the Eastern Jin dynasty (405–418 AD), Emperor An of Jin divided Guangling Commandery to form Shan Yang Commandery, governing the areas near Shan Yang; its jurisdiction covered the Qingjiang and Huai'an areas of present-day Jiangsu Province. In the early Sui dynasty (581 AD), Emperor Wen of Sui moved the administrative center to the Huai’an area of present-day Jiangsu Province.

Historical Origins#

The surname “Xi” is marked as “xì” in dictionaries. However, the members of the Xi clan are generally pronounced “què” (although in some places in Taiwan, it is still pronounced “xì”). Regardless of the local dialects, the corresponding Mandarin pronunciation is “què.” This character is only found in ancient texts.

Origins of the Xi Surname:

1. The surname originated from the Ji clan, with the name derived from the fief granted to an individual.
2. It also has Manchu origins, having been adapted into a Chinese surname through sinicization.

Hall Names (Tang Hao):

• Ji Yang Hall: Named after the place of origin.
• Ji Yin Hall: Named after the place of origin.
• Shan Yang Hall: Named after the place of origin.
• Zhong Jun Hall: During the Jin dynasty, a noble named Xi Gu was well-versed in rituals and music, poetry, and military strategy. Duke Wen of Jin (Ji Chong'er) promoted him to the position of Zhong Jun (Chief Marshal and highest-ranking official), and his brother Xi Qin was appointed as Zhong Jun Zuo (Deputy Marshal). Consequently, descendants of the Xi clan established the “Zhong Jun Hall.”
• Dan Gui Hall: During the Jin dynasty, a Xi family member excelled in the imperial examinations, ranking first. This achievement led to the establishment of the “Dan Gui Hall” to commemorate this honor.
• Gao Di Hall: Similar to the Dan Gui Hall.

Notable Family Members:

• Xi …: A high-ranking official of the Jin state, known for his eloquence. Together with Xi … and Xi …, they formed a powerful group of officials during the mid-Spring and Autumn period. All three were members of the Xi clan and were collectively referred to as the “Three Xis.”
• Xi Que: A noble of the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period. His wife and he treated each other with great respect. When Duke Wen of Jin heard about their relationship, he appointed Xi Que as an official in the lower military ranks.
• Xi Rui: (Birth and death dates unknown), also known as Xi Rui. A famous noble of the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period.