Chinese Surname Culture
Explore five thousand years of surname origins, inherit the imprint of Chinese civilization
Explore more surname originsOrigin and Evolution of Surnames
Chinese surname culture has a long history dating back to antiquity. Initially, there was a distinction between 'xing' (姓) and 'shi' (氏): 'xing' represented blood relations, while 'shi' indicated social status or territorial division.
李
The Li surname originated from the ancestral surname Ying, tracing back to Emperor Zhuanxu of antiquity. The first ancestor was Li Lizhen, a minister of the Shang Dynasty.
Li is the largest surname in China, with the most famous Li regime being the Tang Dynasty, established by Li Yuan. The Li surname was already common during the Spring and Autumn Period.
王
Originated from ancient times, being one of the earliest surnames. Traditionally used by the descendants of Wang Hai.
Wang is the second largest surname in China, already being a major surname during the Spring Period. Historically, it was said that 'Wang surnames in the world, 180,000 households.'
张
Originated from ancient times, traditionally descended from Zhang Hu, the inventor of bow and arrow during the Yellow Emperor's time.
Zhang is the third largest surname in China, already prosperous during the Spring and Autumn Period. During the Han Dynasty, Zhang Liang helped Liu Bang establish the Han Dynasty, making the Zhang surname even more prominent.
刘
Originated from the Ji surname, traditionally descended from the Yellow Emperor. Liu Lei received the surname for his skill in training dragon horses.
Liu is the fourth largest surname in China, with the most prominent Liu regime being the Han Dynasty, established by Liu Bang and lasting over 400 years.
陈
Originated from the Gui surname, traditionally descended from Emperor Shun. Received the surname due to their fief in Chen (present-day Huaiyang, Henan).
Chen is the fifth largest surname in China, establishing the state of Chen during the Spring Period. The Chen Dynasty also appeared during the Southern Dynasties period.
杨
Originated from the Ji surname, traditionally descended from Shu Liang He, the ninth son of King Wen of Zhou. Received the surname due to their fief in Yang city.
Yang surname was already common during the Spring and Autumn Period, with Emperor Yang Jian, founder of the Sui Dynasty, making the Yang surname more prominent.
赵
Originated from the Ying surname, traditionally descended from Zhao Fu. Received the surname due to their fief in Zhao city (present-day Hongdong, Shanxi).
Zhao is a historic surname in China, with the State of Zhao during the Warring States Period being established by the Zhao family.
孙
Originated from the Ji surname, traditionally descended from Sun Shuduo, son of King Wen of Zhou.
Sun surname was already common during the Spring and Autumn Period, with Sun Quan establishing the Wu regime during the Three Kingdoms period.
周
Originated from the Ji surname, traditionally descended from Ji Chang (King Wen of Zhou).
Zhou is one of the oldest surnames in China, with the rulers of the Zhou Dynasty bearing this surname.
吴
Originated from the Ji surname, traditionally descended from Ji Fa (King Wu of Zhou). Received the surname due to their fief in Wu (present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu).
Wu surname was already common during the Spring Period, with various states including the State of Wu in history.
Hundred Family Names and Regional Distribution
Surname Rankings
The most common surnames in China currently are Li, Wang, Zhang, Liu, Chen, etc. The distribution and migration of these surnames reflect population movement and cultural integration throughout Chinese history.
Regional Characteristics
Common surnames in southern regions differ from those in the north, which is closely related to historical migration waves, geographical environment, and cultural traditions.