The Changsun Clan#

Surname: Changsun, pronounced as zhǎng sūn

Regions where the Changsun Clan is Found#

Jiayang Commandery: During the Han Dynasty, Jiayang County was located in the northeast of present-day Lankao, Henan Province. The Jiayang Commandery was established during the Western Jin Dynasty but was abolished after the dynasty's relocation to the south. In the early Tang Dynasty, Jiayang County was merged into Yuancju County.

Origins of the Changsun Clan#

The Changsun surname has two origins:

1. It originates from Sha Mo Xiong, a member of the Northern Wei royal family, whose surname was changed from Tuoba. Changsun Fu was originally part of the Tuoba clan and descended from Tuoba Song, the third elder brother of Emperor Xianwen of the Later Wei Dynasty. Tuoba Gui, the founding emperor of the Northern Wei Dynasty, had two sons: the elder son, Sha Mo Xiong, who was titled "Great Man of the South" and took the Tuoba surname; the younger son, Shi Yi Jian, was the grandfather of Tuoba Gui. After Tuoba Gui established the Northern Wei Dynasty, he bestowed the Changsun surname on Sha Mo Xiong's son. Sha Mo Xiong later became the Grand Commandant and was granted the title of Prince of Beiping. His nephew, Changsun Daosheng, achieved many military accomplishments and became the Prime Minister, receiving the title of Prince of Shangdang. Due to their contributions to the Wei Dynasty, they were granted the status of royal nobility. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowen, the Tuoba surname was changed to Changsun as a sign of their prominence within the royal family.
2. The Changsun surname also existed before the Northern Wei Dynasty. According to the "Book of Han: Records of Arts and Literature" and the "Classic of Filial Piety," there was a person named Changsun Shun, indicating that the Changsun clan existed at that time.

Ancestor of the Changsun Surname: Changsun Shun

There are two theories about the origin of the Changsun surname: One theory, as recorded in the "Comprehensive Records of Clans" and the "Old Book of Tang: Biography of Changsun Wuji," states that the Changsun clan originated from Sha Mo Xiong of the Northern Wei royal family. Another theory, based on the "Book of Han: Records of Arts and Literature," suggests that the Changsun clan existed even before the Northern Wei Dynasty.

Distribution of the Changsun Clan

The Changsun surname does not rank among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. During the ancient Southern and Northern Dynasties, there was a member of the Northern Wei royal family named Tuoba Song, who was granted the title of "Great Man of the Royal Nobility" for his contributions. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, who was influenced by Han culture, the Tuoba surname was changed to Yuan. Tuoba Song's descendants then adopted the Changsun surname, reflecting their status as descendants of the royal family. The prominent Changsun clansmen lived in Jiayang (now in the northwest of Dingtao, Shandong Province, or in the northeast of Lankao, Henan Province).

Hall Names of the Changsun Clan

The hall name of the Changsun clan is "Piling Hall" (Piling Tang), which originates from the Sui Dynasty. When Changsun was 18 years old, he served as a senior guard officer. During a Turkic invasion, he presented a detailed analysis of the military situation to the emperor, which impressed the emperor greatly. The Turks, frightened by the sound of his bow, referred to it as "thunder and lightning," hence the hall name "Piling Hall."

Notable Figures with the Changsun Surname

• Changsun Sheng: Also known as Ji Sheng (552–609), he was the father of Changsun Wuji and a native of Luoyang during the Sui Dynasty. He trained in martial arts from a young age and became a senior guard officer at the age of 18. He was appointed as a general and was known for the fearsome sound of his bow. He eventually became the Right Heroic General.
• Empress Changsun: The wife of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin (601–636), she was the daughter of Changsun Sheng. She assisted Li Shimin in the "Xuanwu Gate Incident" and played a key role in seizing power. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, she advocated for frugality, the importance of the legal system, and the appointment of capable ministers, earning the emperor's respect and favor. She compiled the "Nü Ze" (Ten Volumes of Women's Conduct) and wrote the poem "Spring Outing."
• Changsun Wuji: Also known as Fu Ji, he was the younger son of Changsun Sheng. A native of Luoyang during the Tang Dynasty, he was the elder brother of Empress Changsun. Well-versed in literature and history, he played a significant role in establishing the Tang Dynasty. He served as the Minister of Personnel and was later promoted to various high positions, including Grand Commandant and Chancellor. He was exiled and died by hanging himself after opposing Emperor Gaozong's decision to make Wu Zetian the empress. He authored the "Commentary on the Tang Code."