The Wenren Surname#

Surname: Wenren, pronounced as wén rén

Distribution of the Wenren Surname#

The prominent Wenren family resided in the Henan Commandery (about 30 miles northeast of present-day Luoyang, Henan Province). The Henan Commandery was established during the reign of Emperor Gao of the Han Dynasty, corresponding to the area around present-day Luoyang, Henan.

Origin of the Wenren Surname#

The Wenren surname has a pure lineage, tracing its origins back to the Shaozheng clan during the Spring and Autumn Period. This was a time of great transition from a slave society to a feudal one, marked by intense class struggles such as the struggle for power among the Five Hegemons, the annexation of smaller states by larger ones, and slave uprisings against the oppression and exploitation of slave owners. Ideologically, this period saw the flourishing of various schools of thought, leading to the famous contention of a hundred schools of philosophy in China and also inaugurating the debate between Confucianism and Legalism. At the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, both Confucius and Shaozheng Mao were teaching. Confucianism advocated for self-discipline and the restoration of traditional rituals to maintain the slave society under the rule of the slave-owning class, while Legalism called for reforms to establish a new feudal society governed by the rule of law. As more people attended Shaozheng Mao’s teachings, including many of Confucius’ students, the term “Wenren” (meaning “famous person”) began to be used to refer to him. Later, when Confucius became the Minister of Justice of the State of Lu, he accused Shaozheng Mao of gathering followers, spreading heretical ideas, and confusing right from wrong, and had him executed. However, Shaozheng Mao’s progressive ideas about reform and the inevitable demise of slavery and the rise of feudalism had already taken root. His descendants adopted the surname “Wenren” in honor of their ancestor.

Ancestor of the Surname

Shaozheng Mao is considered the progenitor of the Wenren family. According to the “Fengsu Tong,” Shaozheng Mao was a renowned figure in the State of Lu and the ancestor of the Wenren lineage. The Wenren surname has a history of over 2,400 years. His hometown, the State of Lu, is now located in present-day Shandong Province. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Shaozheng Mao was a highly respected scholar whose teachings attracted many disciples, including Confucius’ students. After Confucius became the Minister of Justice, he accused Shaozheng Mao of various crimes and had him executed, displaying his body to the public for three days. Nevertheless, Shaozheng Mao’s ideas about reform had already begun to spread, heralding the inevitable end of slavery and the rise of feudalism.

Migration and Distribution

It is said that during the Spring and Autumn Period, the Lu official Shaozheng Mao gathered followers and taught, gaining the title “Wenren” for his extensive knowledge and fame. Later, due to conflicts with Confucius, he was executed. His descendants continued to use the surname “Wenren” as a tribute to their ancestor’s contributions. Another theory suggests that Zuo Qiuming, another official from Lu, was also a prominent figure during that time, and some of his descendants also adopted the Wenren surname.

Hall Names

Zhongshan Hall: During the Han Dynasty, there was a prominent figure named Wenren Tonghan, who was a lieutenant of Zhongshan. He wrote the “Houshi Qutai Ji” and taught in the Shiqu Pavilion, a famous place for Confucian studies during the Han Dynasty.

Notable People with the Wenren Surname

• Wenren Hong: A native of Jiaxing, Zhejiang, he studied at the imperial academy at the age of twenty and became a successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the Daguan era. He held various government positions, including judicial officer in Tongzhou, military commander in Tiantai, and county magistrate in Xuancheng. He was known for his talent and good governance.
• Wenren Quan: A historian of the Ming Dynasty from Yuyao (now part of Zhejiang), he was a successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the Jiajing era and served as county magistrate in Baoying, later as an imperial censor. He collaborated with Wang Shouren on the compilation of texts and contributed to the “Nanjing Tiexue Censor.” He authored works such as “Zhongxing Yaolan,” “Zhouguan Tongjie,” and “Jingshi Pangchan.”

The Wenren surname has a rich historical and cultural heritage, reflecting the significant roles played by its bearers in Chinese history and society.