Origin and popularity of the name HAN
Origin
Han : 1: Chinese: Mandarin pronunciation of the surname 韓: (i) it is said that the surname is borne by descendants of Han Liu (韓流) a grandson of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) shortened form of Han Yuan (韓原) the name of a fief (possibly present-day Hejin in Shanxi province or Hancheng in Shaanxi province) granted to Bi Wan also known as Han Wan (韓萬) or Han Wuzi (韓武子) a politician in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). His descendants inherited the name of the fief as their surname. (iii) from Han (韓) the name of a state during the Warring States Period (475–221 BC). The state was established in 403 BC and annexed by the state of Qin in 230 BC. Descendants of nobles from this state inherited it as their surname. (iv) From the Chu Da Han (出大汗) family of the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who adopted the surname Han (韓) during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 寒 meaning ‘cold’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Han Ai (寒哀) the name of an official during the reign of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from Han (寒) the name of an ancient state (located in Shandong province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (iii) adopted in place of the homophonous Chinese surname Han (韓) by some people who changed their original surname Han (韓) to Han (寒) in order to avoid feud.3: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 杭 see Hang 1.4: Korean: written 한 in Chinese characters 韓. There are actually two Chinese characters for the surname Han. However one of these characters meaning ‘China’ is very rare (only two households with this surname appeared in a recent census) so only the other will be considered here. Some records indicate that there are 131 clans of the Han family but only one – the Han family of Ch’ŏngju can be documented. Some sources name Han Ran as the founding ancestor of the Han family. Han Ran is recognized as one of the men who assisted the first Koryŏ king Wang Kŏn in setting up the Koryŏ kingdom in 918. More recent scholarship however postulates that the Ch’ŏngju Han clan's founding ancestor was U-P’yŏng one of three sons of the fortieth generation descendant of Kija the founder of the ancient Chosŏn kingdom (died 194 BC). The other two sons U-sŏng and U-Kyŏng founded the Ki clan and the Sŏngan clans respectively. Compare Hahn 5.5: Vietnamese (Hàn): from the Chinese surname 韓 see 1 above.6: Vietnamese (Hán): written 汉 in Chinese of unexplained etymology.7: Burmese: from a personal name usually forming part of a compound name from han ‘appearance’. — Note: Since Burmese do not have hereditary surnames this name was registered as such only after immigration of its bearers to the US.8: Turkish: ornamental name or nickname from the title han ‘sovereign khan’ (see Khan).9: Dutch: from a short form of the personal name Johan(nes) (see John).10: French (Lorraine): probably a cognate of Dutch name in 9 above.11: Czech and Slovak (Hán): from a short form of the German personal name Johann(es) (see John).12: Jewish: variant of Hahn.
Ai : 1: Japanese: usually written 阿井 with characters used phonetically. The meaning could be ‘meeting’. In North America it may also be a shortened form of some other name.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 艾 referring to ‘Chinese mugwort’ a type of plant used in traditional Chinese medical treatment: (i) perhaps from the second element of Ru Ai (汝艾) the name of an official who lived during the reign of Shao Kang the 6th king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from the first element of the placename Ai Ling (艾陵) the name of a hill (located in Shandong province) the fief of Ai Kong (艾孔) an official in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) from the placename Ai (艾) the name of a fief (located in Jiangxi province) which was granted to an official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) adopted as a surname by the Qu Jin (去斤) Qu Ai (去艾) and Ai Jin (艾斤) families from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (v) from Ai (艾) the name of an ancient state (possibly in present-day Jiangxi province) during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 愛 meaning ‘love’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Ai Xie Wu (愛邪勿) prime minister of the state of Huihu (known as Uyghur Empire or Uyghur Khaganate) who was endowed with the surname Ai (愛) by Emperor Wuzong of Tang (814–846 AD). (ii) a Han Chinese surname for some members of the Aisin Gioro family from the Manchu ethnic group known as the royal family of the Qing dynasty (1616 – 1911 AD). (iii) a surname from minority ethnic groups in Taiwan.
Ancar : Probably an altered form of French (Pas-de-Calais Nord) Ancart itself a variant of Hancart and Hanecart: from a pet form (double diminutive) of the personal name Han a short form of French Jehan and Flemish Johan(nes) (see John).
Bao : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 包 meaning ‘to wrap’ or ‘package’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the personal name Bao Xu (包胥) style name of a noble official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) said to be borne by descendants of the Fu Xi family from a period prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (iii) adopted in place of another surname 鮑 pronounced the same by its bearers in Taishan (in present-day Shangdong province) who migrated and changed their surname to 包 during the reign of Wang Mang (45 BC–23 AD) in order to avoid persecution.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 鮑 meaning ‘abalone’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Bao (鮑) the name of a fief (located in Bingcheng in Shandong province) which was granted to Jingshu known as Bao Jingshu originally a prince of the state of Qi (杞) who went to the state of Qi (齊) and became a noble official there during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) adopted as a surname by the Si Li Fa (俟力伐) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 保 meaning ‘to protect’ or ‘to guarantee’: (i) from the post name Bao Zhang (保章) the title of an official in charge of astrology during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) said to be borne by descendants of certain nobles from the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 暴 which means ‘(violently) sudden': from Bao (暴) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province) annexed by the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).5: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 寶 meaning ‘treasure’ in Chinese: (i) of Han Chinese origin but unexplained. (ii) borne by members of other ethnic groups in northern China such as Mongolians and the Hui people.6: Vietnamese: from the Chinese surname 包 (see 1 above).7: Vietnamese (Bảo): from the Chinese surname 鮑 (see 2 above).
Cha : 1: Korean (Ch’a): written 자 in Chinese characters 車 meaning ‘cart’ or ‘wagon’. This is the only Chinese character for the surname Ch’a and the Yŏnan Ch’a clan is the only clan. Their founding ancestor was Ch’a Hyojŏn (車; 孝全) the son of a Koryŏ high minister named Yu Ch’a-tal (10th century AD). He served the incoming Koryŏ rulers with exceptional valour and loyalty so the Koryŏ monarch bestowed upon his first son the surname Ch’a (車) and enfeoffed him with Yŏnan County in Hwanghae South Province. Ch’a is a fairly common surname throughout the Korean peninsula but most of the clan's members live in Kyŏngsang province Hwanghae province or P’yŏngan province.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 茶 meaning ‘tea’ in Chinese: (i) possibly borne by the descendants of Lu Yu (733–804 AD) a famous figure during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) known as the Sage of Tea who wrote the book Classic of Tea. (ii) from the first element of the placename Chalin (茶陵 located in present-day Hunan province) said to be the place where the legendary Yan Emperor was buried. (iii) adopted in place of the surname Meng (蒙) by some members living in Yunnan in order to avoid persecution or feud. (iv) adopted as a Han Chinese surname by some minority ethnic groups in southwestern China.3: Chinese: Cantonese form and alternative Mandarin form of the surname 查 see Zha.4: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 謝 see Xie 1.5: Southeast Asian (Hmong): from the name of the Cha or Chang clan of the Hmong people in Laos China and Vietnam; in Chinese characters it is written 張 (see Zhang 1). Compare Chang 14.
Che : 1: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 車 meaning ‘carriage’ or ‘cart’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of Che Ou (車區) an astrologist during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) shortened form of the surname Zi Che (子車) a surname of noblemen in the state of Qin. (iii) from Che Cheng Xiang (車丞相) literally ‘Carriage Prime Minister’ the title of Tian Qianqiu a prime minister during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD). He earned the title because when he was old and decrepit Emperor Zhao of Han (94–74 BC) took pity on him and allowed him to move into and out of the palace by carriage instead of on foot. (iv) adopted as a surname by the Che Kun (車裩) and Che Fei (車非) families from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 謝 see Xie 1.3: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 齊 see Qi 1.4: Vietnamese (Chế): written 制 in Chinese of unexplained etymology. It is found among the Cham people in southern Vietnam.5: Korean: variant of Chae.6: Amerindian (Guatemala Mexico and Belize; also Ché): Mayan name from che' ‘tree wood’.7: Catalan (Valencia): nickname from xe ‘typical person from Valencia’ (from the interjection xe!).
Chong : 1: Korean (Chŏng): written 정 in Chinese characters 鄭 丁 and 程. There are actually eight Chinese characters used to represent the surname Chŏng which is one of the most common Korean surnames but the clans that use five of these characters are extremely small. The characters 丁 and 程 are mainly found in Chŏlla province. (i) The clan which uses the Chinese character 丁 is descended from a Chinese Tang Dynasty minister named Tŏk-sŏng (徳盛) who immigrated to Korea and settled on Aphae Island in Shinan county Chŏlla South Province. (ii) The clan bearing the surname 程 is believed to be descended from Chinese immigrants but further details are not known. The founding ancestor of the Han San Chŏng clan was called Chŏng Hoe (程 淮). (iii) The most common of the three more numerous clans which uses the Chinese character 鄭 is the oldest and is widely distributed throughout the peninsula. It is probably of Chinese origin too. Some sources indicate that there are 215 separate Chŏng clans but only 32 of them can be documented. The earliest and largest Chŏng clan began in 32 AD when Chibaekho one of the six ruling elders of pre-Shilla Korea received the surname of Chŏng from the Shilla King Yuri Isagŭm (24–57 AD). Compare Cheong 5 Choung 1 Chung 11 Jeong 1 Jong 1 Joung Jun 1 and Jung 10.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 崇: from Chong (崇) the name of an ancient state (located in Songxian in Henan province) during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 种 adopted in place of another Chinese surname Zhong (仲) by the descendants of Zhong Shanfu (仲山甫) an official during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou (reigned 827–782 BC) in order to escape from the feud.4: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 莊 see Zhuang.5: Chinese: variant Cantonese form of the surnames 鐘 and 仲 see Zhong 1 and 2.6: Chinese: variant Cantonese form of the surname 宗 see Zong.7: Chinese: variant Cantonese form of the surname 叢 see Cong 1.8: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 臧 see Zang.9: Chinese: Hakka form of the Chinese surnames 張 and 章 see Zhang 1 and 2. Hakka Chinese is spoken in southern China and certain other parts of Southeast Asia.10: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 蔣 see Jiang 2.11: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 鄭 see Zheng 1.12: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 曾 see Zeng.13: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 蒼 and 倉 see Cang.
Cong : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 叢: (i) from the personal name of Cong Zhi (叢枝) said to be head of an ancient state called Zhi which was annexed by the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). (ii) from the placename Cong Jia Yan (叢家硯) (located in present-day Wendeng in Shandong province) where descendants of Jin Midi (金日磾) (134–86 BC) lived. Jin Midi was a prince of the King Xiutu of the Huns. He once made a gold statue for the worship of Heaven and for this reason was given the surname Jin 金 (meaning ‘gold’) by the Emperor Wu of Han (156–87 BC).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 從 meaning ‘follow’ in Chinese: (i) simplified form of Cong (樅) the name of an ancient state (located in Anhui province) granted to the youngest son of King Ping of Zhou (died 720 BC). (ii) said to be borne by the descendants of Cong Gong (樅公 or 從公 Duke Cong) a general killed by Xiang Yu (232–202 BC).3: Vietnamese (Công): from the Chinese surname 公 see Gong 4.
Da : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 達 said to be derived from the personal name Shu Da (叔達) a talent during the reign of the legendary king Zhuanxu (traditional dates: 2514–2437 BC); or adopted as a Han surname by other minority ethnic groups.2: Mandarin form of the surname 笪 a surname originating in ancient Jianzhou (located in present-day Fujian province) and Jurong (located in Jiangsu province) or a surname from the Hui ethnic group.
Di : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 狄 a term referring to the tribes in ancient northern China: (i) from Di (狄) the name of an ancient state (thought to have been located in Hebei or Shandong province) which was granted to Xiao Bo or Kao Bo by King Cheng of Zhou (reigned 1042–1021 BC). (ii) adopted as a surname by the Ku Di (庫狄) family during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iii) traced back to other minority ethnic groups in ancient northwestern China.2: Mandarin form of the Chinese surname 邸 meaning ‘official residence’ in Chinese: (i) from placename Di (邸) the name of a county (unidentified location). (ii) said to be borne by some descendants of Kujula Kadphises (called 丘就郤 or 邸就郤 in Chinese 30–c. 80 AD) founder of the Kushan Empire (one branch of the Yuezhi people originating from western China) located in Central Asia during the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD).3: Teochew Hokkien and Taiwanese form of the surname 池 see Chi 1. The dialects of this pronunciation are found in eastern Guangdong Fujian and Taiwan from where many people migrated to Thailand Singapore and Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Du : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 杜 meaning ‘birchleaf pear’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of Du Kang (杜康) an official noted as a winemaker during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from the placename Du (杜) the name of a city (located in Shaanxi province) granted to Du Bo (杜伯 the Earl of Du) head of the state of Du (杜) who was eventually killed by King Xuan of Zhou (reigned 827–782 BC). After that the state of Du (杜) was annexed and the name of the state was adopted as a surname. (iii) adopted as a surname by the Du Gu Hun (獨孤渾) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 都 meaning ‘capital’ in Chinese: (i) from the personal name Zi Du (子都) style name of Gong-Sun Yu an official in the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) shortened form of the compound surname Gong Du (公都) which is sometimes traced back to Tian a prince in the state of Chu who was granted the fief Du (都) or alternatively to Gong Du Zi (公都子) an official in the state of Qi.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 堵 meaning ‘wall’ in ancient Chinese: habitational name from the placename Du (堵) the name of a fief (located in present-day Henan province) granted to Xie Bo an official in the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 度 meaning ‘measurement of length’ in ancient Chinese: (i) traced back to the inhabitants in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). (ii) borne by descendants of officials in charge of regularizing units of length measurement in markets in ancient China.(iii) said to be one of the seven surnames from the Bandun Man ancestors of today's Tujia ethnic group in China who in the third century BC lived in southwestern China.5: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 督 meaning ‘to supervise’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of the personal name Hua Du (華督) style name of the grandson of the Duke Dai of Song (ruler of the state of Song died 766 BC). (ii) from the first element of the personal name Du Rong (督戎) an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) from the first element of the placename Du Kang (督亢) the name of a fertile land (located in present-day Henan province) in the state of Yan during Warring States Period (475– 221 BC). (iv) a surname from the minority ethnic groups in southwestern China during the Eastern Han dynasty (25 – 220 AD).6: Vietnamese (Dư): from the Chinese surname 余 see Yu 1.7: Vietnamese (Dũ): from the Chinese surname 俞 see Yu 3.8: Vietnamese: from the Chinese surname 游 see You 1.
Fei : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 費 meaning ‘fees’ in Chinese: (i) from Fei (費) the name of an ancient state (located in Shandong province) annexed during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) from Fei (費) the name of a fief (located in Shandong province) which was granted to Ji You son of the Duke Huan of Lu (the 15th ruler of the state of Lu died 694 BC). (iii) from Fei (費) the name of a fief (located in Shandong province) which was granted to an official in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) borne by descendants of Fei Wu Ji (費無級) an official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (v) adopted as a surname by the Fei Lian (費連) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: another Mandarin pronunciation of the Chinese surname 賁 said to be borne by the descendants of Han Fei a famous philosopher during Warring States Period (475– 221 BC) see Ben 5.
Feng : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 馮 meaning ‘gallop’ or ‘wade’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the personal name Feng Jian Zi (馮簡子) an official in the state of Zheng (located in part of present-day Shaanxi and Henan province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from the first element of the placename Feng Cheng (馮城 Feng City) the name of a fief (in present-day Xingyang in Henan province) granted to one of the grandsons of Bi Wan known as Han Wan or Han Wuzi a politician in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC) also the ancestor of bearers of the surname 韩 (see Han).2: Mandarin form of the surname 封 meaning ‘confer something (a title land or the like) upon somebody by royal command’ in ancient Chinese: (i) shortened form of Feng Fu (封父) an ancient state (located in present-day Fengqiu in Henan province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) which was annexed during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) adopted as a surname by members of the Shi Ben (是賁) family from the Xianbei ethnic group during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD).3: Mandarin form of the surname 豐 meaning ‘abundant’ or ‘great’ in Chinese: from the personal name Feng (豐) style name of a prince one of the sons of Duke Mu of Zheng (ruler of the state of Zheng 648–606 BC).4: Mandarin form of the surname 酆: habitational name from the placename Feng (酆) the name of a fief (in present-day Huxian in Shaanxi province) granted to the 17th son of the virtuous King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC).5: Mandarin form of the surname 風 meaning ‘wind’ in Chinese an ancient surname possibly traced back to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).6: Mandarin form of the surname 鳳 meaning ‘phoenix’ in Chinese: possibly from the name of an official post prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) which was said to be derived from the name of a kind of bird.7: Mandarin form of the surname 奉 originally meaning ‘plants growing up to their utmost heights’: from the first element of Feng Chun (奉春) title of Lou Jing an official during the reign of the Emperor Gaozu of Han (256–195 BC).
Fu : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 傅 meaning ‘master’ or ‘teacher’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of Fu Yue (傅說)(died c. 1246 BC) a prime minister during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC) who is said to have lived in a place called Fu Yan (傅岩) possibly located in Shanxi province. (ii) from the placename Fu (傅) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shandong province) which was granted to Da You during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC).2: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 付 meaning ‘commit’ or ‘pay’ in Chinese: (i) borne by descendants of Shi Fu (史付) a person who lived in the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) simplified form of the Chinese surname 傅; see 1 above.3: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 符 meaning ‘tally’ in ancient Chinese: from the post name Fu Xi Ling (符璽令) hosted by Gong Ya a grandson of the Duke Qing of Lu (ruler of the state of Lu died 249 BC) who later migrated to the state of Qin. This was a post held by the man in charge of the tally given by a ruler to a general to deploy troops or to an envoy as his credentials.4: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 扶 meaning ‘help support’ in Chinese: (i) said to be a shortened form of the compound Chinese surname Fu Deng (扶登) dating back to the reign of Xia Yu the first king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) borne by descendants of Fu Jia (扶嘉) who was endowed with the surname Fu (扶) by the Emperor Gaozu of Han (256–195 BC) because of his support to the royal family of the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD). (iii) adopted as the surname by the Qi Fu (乞扶) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).5: Mandarin form of the surname 伏 meaning ‘dog days’ or ‘subdue’ in ancient Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of Fu Xi (伏羲) a legendary figure prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) said to be borne by descendants of Fu Bu Qi (伏不齊 also written 宓不齊) a student of Confucius (551–479 BC). (iii) adopted as a surname by the Si Fu Jin (俟伏斤) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).6: Mandarin form of the surname 福 meaning ‘good fortune’ or ‘blessing’ in Chinese: (i) borne by descendants of Fu Zi Dan (福子丹) an official in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) a surname from the state of Bai Ji (located in the Korean peninsula). (iii) borne by descendants of Fu Shi (福時) an official who lived during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644 AD).7: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 富 meaning ‘rich’ in Chinese: (i) borne by descendants of Fu Chen (富辰) (died around 636 BC) an official who lived during the reign of King Xiang of Zhou (died 619 BC). (ii) shortened form of the Chinese compound surname Fu-Fu (富父) which is traced back to Fu-Fu Zhong Sheng (富父終甥) an official who lived in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).8: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 甫 a courtesy name for a man in ancient Chinese: (i) simplified form of Fu (郙) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province). (ii) from Fu (甫) the name of a state also known as the state of Lü (located in Henan province) annexed by the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) shortened form of the Chinese compound surname Huang-Fu (皇甫) traced back to the personal name of a son of Duke Dai of Song (ruler of the state of Song reigned 799–766 BC).9: Mandarin form of the surname 宓 (also pronounced as Mi in Mandarin Chinese) see Mi 2.10: Hakka form of the surname 胡. Also Cantonese form of the surname 扈. See Hu 1 and 2.
Ge : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 葛 referring to a ‘type of herbal plant’: (i) said to be from Ge-Tian (葛天) the name of an ancient tribe in China living prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from Ge (葛) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (iii) borne by descendants of Hong Ge Lu (洪葛盧) also known as Hong Pu Lu who offered support to Emperor Guangwu of Han (5 BC–57 AD) and made great contributions to the establishment of the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD). He later transferred the title that had been conferred on him by the emperor to his brother and migrated to Gou Rong (in present-day Jiangsu province). Some of his descendants inherited Ge (葛) part of his personal name as their surname. (iv) adopted as a surname by the He Ge (賀葛) family members of the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 戈 referring to a ‘kind of weapon’ in ancient China: from Ge (戈) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).3: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 倪 see Ni.4: Chinese: alternative Mandarin form of the surname 蓋 see Gai 1.5: In some cases possibly also French (Gé): variant of Gée (see Gee).
Gu : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 古 meaning ‘ancient old’ in Chinese: (i) borne by descendants of Gu Gong (古公 literally meaning ‘old Duke’) the title of Dan Fu grandfather of King Wen of Zhou(1152–1056 BC). (ii) from Gu (古) also written as Ku (苦) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province) during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (iii) shortened form of the Chinese compound surname Gu-Cheng (古成) which is a mispronounced form of another Chinese compound surname Ku-Cheng the name of an unidentified fief (possibly located in present-day Henan province). (iv) adopted as a surname by the Tu Xi (吐奚) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Mandarin form of the surname 顧 meaning ‘attend to’ or ‘look at’ in Chinese: (i) from Gu (顧) the name of a state (probably located in Henan province or in Shandong province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) annexed during the early Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) borne by descendants of Gu Yu Hou (顧餘侯 Marquis Guyu) a title conferred by the King of Dong Ou on his son during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD).3: Mandarin form of the surname 辜 meaning ‘crimes’ or ‘guilt’ in ancient Chinese. This surname was adopted by descendants of people who acknowldged that they were guilty of committing crimes.4: Mandarin form of the surname 谷 meaning ‘valley’ or ‘cereal crops’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of the placename Qin Gu (秦谷) the name of a fief (located in Gansu province) granted to Qin Fei Zi (died around 858 BC) the founder of the state of Qin. (ii) adopted as a surname by the Gu Hui (谷會) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iii) adopted in place of the compound surname Gu Na (谷那) by descendants of Gu Na Lü (谷那律) an erudite official of Japanese origin during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD). (iv) simplified form of another Chinese surname Xi (郤) the name of a fief (located in Shanxi province) granted to Shu Hu an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).5: Teochew or Hokkien form of the surname 牛 see Niu 1.
Hambrook : 1: perhaps from Hambrook in Chidham (Sussex) for which the 14th-century bearers cited below constitute the medieval evidence. The place-name seems to derive from Old English hām ‘village homestead’ or hamm ‘enclosure water meadow’ + brōc ‘brook stream’ but it may have been named after the family which itself may have been a branch of the Gloucs one that is evidenced at (2). 2: from Hambrook in Winterbourne (Gloucs). The place-name is recorded as Hanbroc in 1086 and may derive from Old English hān ‘stone’ + brōc ‘brook stream’. There is little sign of the family name in Gloucs after 1524.
Hanas : 1: Rusyn (mainly from Poland and Slovakia) and Ukrainian (standard transliteration Khanas): from a vernacular short form of the personal name Atanasiy from Greek Athanasios meaning ‘immortal’ (see Attanasio).2: Greek: possibly an occupational name for an innkeeper from Turkish han ‘inn’ + the suffix -as.
Hand : 1: English German and Dutch: nickname for someone with a peculiarity or deformity of the hand or perhaps to skill in its use from Middle English hond(e) hand(e) Middle High German hant found in such appellations as Johan metter hant (Rijkhoven 1284) Liebhard mit der Hand (Augsburg 1383).4: Jewish (Ashkenazic): nickname from German Hand ‘hand’ (see 1 above).2: Irish: Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Fhlaithimh (see Guthrie) as a result of association with the Gaelic word lámh ‘hand’. It is used as an English equivalent for several other names of Gaelic origin too such as Claffey Glavin and McClave.3: English: perhaps from a Middle English personal name Hand a possible rhyming pet form of Randall though it could also be a variant of Han (a pet form of Johan John and of Hanry Henry) with excrescent -d.
Hanley : 1: Irish: shortened form of O'Hanley an Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó hÁinle ‘descendant of Áinle’ a personal name meaning ‘champion’. This is the name of a former ruling family in Connacht and is now common throughout southern Ireland.2: English: habitational name from any of the many places called Handley (Cheshire Derbyshire Dorset Northamptonshire) or Hanley (Staffordshire Worcestershire) named with Old English hēan the weak dative form (originally used after a preposition and article) of hēah ‘high’ + lēah ‘woodland clearing’.
Hann : 1: German and Dutch: from a shortened pet form of the personal name Johann (see John).2: English: from the Middle English personal name Hann commonly a pet form of Henry (Middle English Hanry). Hann could also be a rhyming pet form of Randolph (Middle English Randal shortened to Ran or Rand). Han was also a pet form of Joh(a)n in Middle Dutch and it is possible that this usage was brought to England by Flemings after the Norman Conquest but no evidence has yet been found that it was similarly used in Middle English. See Henry and Randall and compare Hankin Hancock and Hanks.3: English: variant of Ann with prosthetic H-.4: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 韩 see Han 1.
Hannum : English (Wiltshire):: 1: habitational name from Old Norse afnám ‘newly enclosed plot taken from common or undeveloped land’ a frequent minor placename in northern counties e.g. Avenham Park in Preston (Lancashire) and Aynhems in Rimington (Yorkshire) sometimes with prosthetic H- as in Haynholme in Draughton (Yorkshire).2: habitational name from Hanham (Gloucestershire) from Old English hānum ‘(at) the stones’ dative plural form of hān ‘stone’. The ending -ham comes by analogy with other placenames with this very common unstressed ending.
Hanscom : Altered form of English Hanscomb: habitational name from Hanscombe End in Shillington Bedfordshire named from an Old English personal name Hān (from Old English hān ‘(boundary) stone’) + camp ‘enclosed land’.
Hanwood : from Hanwood (Shrops) which is recorded as Hanewde in 1086 or Henwood Green in Willesborough (Kent). The Shrops place-name derives from the Old English personal name Hana Old English hana ‘cock’ or hān ‘stone’ + wudu ‘wood’. For the Kent place-name see Henwood.
He : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 何 which meant ‘ask’ or ‘what?’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the surname Han (韓) the name of a state during the Warring States period. In 230 BC the state of Han was annihilated by the state of Qin. Some of the descendants of Han Wang An (韓王安 'An King of Han') the last king of Han fled to the area around the Yangtze and Huai (淮) rivers where the surname Han (韓) had a similar pronunciation to that of the Chinese character He (何) in the local dialects so they adopted the surname He (何) as a surname.(ii) from one of the 'Nine Sogdian Surnames’ in Chinese also known as ‘nine surnames of Zhaowu’ because their ancestors came from Zhaowu an ancient city in present-day Gansu province in northwestern China. During the Sui and Tang dynasties (581–987 AD) there were nine Sogdian states in Central Asia one of which was called He (何) in Chinese. Between 649 and 655 AD these states submitted to Emperor Gaozong of Tang (628–683 AD). The people from this state and their descendants acquired the surname He.(iii) from the name of He Miao (何苗) who changed his original surname Zhu (朱) to He (何) during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD). (iv) For some families this surname is traced back to Suo Ming (鎖銘) the son of an ambassador (Suo Nan 鎖南) from Tibet in the 12th century AD. Suo Ming was appointed to a post in Hezhou (in present-day Gansu province) and endowed with the surname He by Hongwu Emperor (Zhu Yuanzhang founder of the Ming dynasty) in 1371 AD.(v) a surname of the Tuyuhun (吐谷渾) ethnic group originating in the Wudai Period (907–960 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 賀 meaning ‘celebrate congratulate’ in Chinese: (i) a semantic variant of Qing (慶) (see Qing 1). In the Eastern Han dynasty (25– 220 AD) a descendant of the Qing family Qing Chun (慶純) a well-known official changed his surname to He (賀) which has the same meaning as Qing (meaning ‘celebrate’) because his surname Qing happened to be the personal name of Liu Qing (刘慶) the father of Emperor An of Han (94–125 AD) which was a taboo that Qing Chun wanted to avoid. (ii) shortened form of disyllabic surnames such as He Lan (賀蘭) He Lai (賀賴) He Dun (賀敦) which were surnames from the Xianbei ethnic group shortened to He through cultural fusion with the Han people during South and North Dynasties (420–589 AD). This surname is common in Henan province.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 和 meaning ‘peace’ in Chinese: (i) for some families this surname is traced back to Xi He (羲和) an official in charge of astronomy during the reign of the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). His descendants He Zhong (和仲) and He Shu (和叔) took his personal name He (和) as their surname. (ii) for other families it is traced back to Bian He (卞和) a person from the state of Chu (楚) during the Spring and Autumn period (770 BC–476 BC) who discovered a gem known as He-shi Bi (和氏璧). (iii) from Su He (素和) a disyllabic surname from the Xianbei ethnic group.4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 赫: (i) said to be traced back to a legendary king He Xu Shi (赫胥氏). (ii) adopted as a Han Chinese surname by minority ethnic groups in China.5: Chinese: alternative Mandarin form of the surname 黑 see Hei 1.6: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 許 possibly based on its Hakka or Hokkien pronunciation see Xu 2.7: Chinese: Teochew form of the surname 夏 see Xia.8: Vietnamese (Hề): from the Chinese surname 奚 see Xi 1.
Hone : 1: English: topographic name for someone who lived by a prominent stone especially a boundary marker from Middle English hone ‘stone rock’ (Old English hān) the same word as modern English hone ‘whetstone’. Compare Honer.2: German (Höne) in part of Sorbian origin: see Hoene and Hoehne.
Honer : 1: English: occupational name for a sharpener of tools a grinder or honer from a derivative of Middle English hone ‘whetstone’ (Old English hān ‘stone’) + -er. In Surrey Sussex and Hampshire the name may also have been topographic for someone who lived by a prominent rock or by a boundary stone from a Middle English derivative of Hone + -er. See Hone.2: North German (Höner): variant of Hohner.
Hong : 1: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 洪 meaning ‘vast’ in Chinese: (i) adopted in place of another Chinese surname 共 (Gong in Mandarin pinyin). In some families this surname is traced back to Gong Gong (共工) an official during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). In other families it is borne by descendants of people from the state of Gong (共) (located in present-day Huixian in Henan province) which was granted to Ji He known as Gong Bo (Earl Gong) a figure during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). For other families it is borne by descendants of Shen Sheng a prince in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC) who was given Gong as a posthumous title. His descendants inherited this title as their surname. Later some of his descendants changed the surname to 洪 in order to escape persecution by their enemies. Thus the surname 洪 shares some of the same ancestors with the surname 龔; compare Gong 1. (ii) adopted in place of another Chinese surname 弘 (see 5 below) which originated in Yuzhang (present-day Nanchang in Jiangxi province) and Qu’e (present-day Danyang in Jiangsu province). 弘 was the personal name of crown prince Li Hong (李弘) (652–675 AD) in the Tang Dynasty. In ancient China it was taboo to bear the same name as a member of the royal family so in Yuzhang and Qu’e people with the surname 弘 changed it to 洪 which has the same pronunciation.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 弘 meaning ‘great’ in Chinese: from the second element of the personal name Hong Yan (弘演 or 弘延) style name of an official in the state of Wey (衛) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 紅 meaning ‘red’ in Chinese: (i) from the personal name Hong (紅) style name of Xiong Zhi a prince of the state of Chu eldest son of Xiong Qu (ruler of the state of Chu died 877 BC). (ii) from the placename Hong (紅) the name of a state (located in Henan province) granted to Liu Fu also known as Hong Hou (紅侯 Marquis of Hong) nephew of the Emperor Gaozu of Han (256–195 BC).4: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 項 see Xiang 2.5: Chinese: alternative Cantonese form of the surname 孔 see Kong 2.6: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 康 see Kang 1.7: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 匡 see Kuang 2.8: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 杭 see Hang 1.9: Chinese: Hokkien and Taiwanese form of the surname 方 see Fang 1.10: Chinese: Hokkien Taiwanese and Teochew form of the surnames 封 豐 and 酆 see Feng (2–4).11: Chinese: another Cantonese form of the surname 熊 see Xiong 1.12: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surnames 湯 and 唐 based on its pronunciation of the Siyi Cantonese subdialect (also known as Sze Yup or Four Districts dialect including Taishanese) spoken in southern Guangdong see Tang 1 and 2.13: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 王 see Wang 1.14: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 黃 see Huang 1.15: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 香 possibly based on its Cantonese pronunciation see Xiang 2.16: Chinese: possibly from Cantonese form of the Chinese names 雄 (meaning ‘hero’ or ‘mighty’) or 康 (meaning ‘healthy’) monosyllabic personal names or part of disyllabic personal names of some early Chinese immigrants in the US.17: Korean: there is only one Chinese character for the Hong surname in Korea. Some sources indicate that there are 59 different Hong clans but only four can be documented. Each of the four clans claim different founding ancestors. The oldest Hong clan's founding ancestor Hong Ch’ŏn-ha migrated to Koguryŏ Korea sometime in the first half of the seventh century. The Hong surname is a fairly common one and is found throughout the Korean peninsula.18: Vietnamese (Hồng): of Chinese origin meaning ‘vast’ (see 1 above).19: Cambodian: written ហុង of Chinese origin from (a personal name) 紅 meaning ‘red’ (see 3 above).20: Cambodian: written ហង្ស same as Hang 8.
Honor : English: habitational name from Honor End Farm in Hampden (Buckinghamshire) from Old English hān ‘rock stone’ + ōra ‘bank edge slope’.
Hu : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 胡 a term referring to the ethnic minorities in ancient northern and western China: (i) from Hu (胡) the name of an ancient state (located in present-day Henan province) during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). After it was annexed by the state of Zheng (located in present-day Shaanxi and Henan provinces) in the 26th year of the reign of King Ping of Zhou (died 720 BC) people from the fief adopted 胡 the name of the state as their surname. (ii) from Hu (胡) the name of a state (located in present-day Anhui province). After it was annexed by the state of Chu in the 15th year of the reign of Duke Ding of Lu (ruler of the state of Lu reigned 509–495 BC) people from the fief adopted 胡 the name of the state as their surname. (iii) from the personal name of Hu Gong Man (胡公满 Duke Hu of Chen) the posthumous title of Yu Man. He was given the fief of Chen (located mainly in present-day Henan and Anhui province) by King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC). (iv) from the personal name of Hu Guang (胡廣) who changed his original surname 黃 to 胡 during the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD). (v) from the Hu Gu (胡骨) or He Gu (纥骨) families from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who changed their surname to 胡 during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 扈 meaning ‘retinue’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Hu (扈) the name of an ancient state (located in present-day Shaanxi province) dating back to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) (ii) adopted as a surname by the Hu Di Gan (扈地干) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 呼 meaning ‘exhale’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by the descendants of Hu Zixian (呼子先) an astrologist during the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). (ii) shortened form of the compound surname Hu-Yan (呼延) a surname from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China. (iii) a surname from other minority ethnic groups in northern China.4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 虎 meaning ‘tiger’ in Chinese: (i) said to be from the second element of the personal name Bo Hu (伯虎) a legendary talented figure during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC); (ii) possibly from totems of some tribes.5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surnames 傅 付 符 and 扶 possibly based on their Teochew or Hokkien pronunciations see Fu 1-4.6: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 許 possibly based on its Teochew or Hokkien pronunciation see Xu 2.7: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surnames 邱 and 丘 see Qiu 1 and 2.8: In some cases also Amerindian (Mexico): variant of Huh ‘iguana’.9: In some cases also Amerindian (Guatemala; Hú): probably a cognate of the name in 8 above.10: In some cases possibly also French: nickname from Old French hu ‘outcry noise’.
Jian : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 簡 meaning ‘simple’ or ‘bamboo slips used for writing in ancient times’: (i) from the personal name of Jian Shifu (簡師父) an official during the Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BC). (ii) from the personal name of Jian Shu (簡叔) an official in the state of Lu (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) from the personal name of Jian (簡) posthumous title of Hu Juju also known as Xu Jianbo (續簡伯) a noble official in the state of Jin (located mainly in present-day Shanxi province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) from the personal name of Jian Yong (簡雍) a person in the state of Shu (located mainly in present-day Sichuan province) during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD) who changed his original surname (耿 Geng 2) to 簡 since these two surnames shared similar pronunciations in ancient Chinese. (v) from another surname Jian (檢) meaning ‘procurator’ in ancient China. People changed their surname from Jian (檢) to Jian (簡) during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD) probably in order to avoid persecution.2: Mandarin form of the surname 菅 from the placename Jian (菅) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shandong province) in the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 翦 meaning ‘nascent feather’ in Chinese: surname traced back to a Uygur general in the Ming dynasty (1368–1662 AD) who was endowed with the surname Jian (翦) by the emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1328–1398 AD) and later resided in Taoyuan in Hunan province; also a surname from other minority ethnic groups in China.4: Mandarin form of the surname 蹇 meaning ‘crippled’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Jian Xiu (蹇修) an official during the reign of Tai Hao a legendary leader prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from the personal name Jian Shu (蹇叔 c. 690–610 BC) a famous politician in the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).
Jin : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 金 meaning ‘gold’ in Chinese: (i) from Jin Tian (金天) title of the legendary king Shao Hao (c. 26th century BC) the son of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). Some of his descendants inherited 金 part of his title as their surname. (ii) from Jin Midi (金日磾) (134–86 BC) a prince of King Xiu Tu of the Huns who was captured as a child and brought up at the Han imperial court. He became an official highly regarded by Emperor Wu of Han (156–87 BC) and was appointed as master of the imperial stables. He made golden statues of horses to worship Heaven and because of this was given the surname Jin 金 (meaning ‘gold’) by the emperor. (iii) for some families the surname is traced back to the Liu (劉 see Lau) family living in the state of Wu Yue (907–978 AD located in present-day Zhejiang Jiangsu and Fujian provinces) who changed their original surname 劉 to 金 because the former was pronounced the same as the personal name of the emperor Qian Liu (founder of the Wuyue Kingdom 852–932 AD) and it was taboo in ancient China to bear a name that was borne by the emperor. (iv) for some families the surname is traced back to the minority ethnic groups of Qiangzu and Xinluo in northern China during the Southern and Northern dynasties (420–589 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 靳 meaning ‘stingy’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Jin (靳) the name of a fief (located in Ningxiang in Hunan province) granted to Jin Shang (靳尚) (died 311 BC) a noble official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) for some families the surname can be traced back to the Huns in northern China recorded in ancient Chinese history books.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 晉 meaning ‘enter’ or ‘promote’ in ancient Chinese: from Jin (晉) the name of a state (located mainly in present-day Shanxi province) originally granted to Tang Shu Yu (Shu Yu of Tang) the third son of King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC). In 403 BC the state was partitioned into three new states by Marquis Wen of Wei (died 396 BC) Marquis Jing of Han (died 400 BC) and Marquis Lie of Zhao (died 400 BC). Descendants of the Duke Jing of Jin (possibly died 349 BC) the last ruler of the state of Jin inherited 晉 the name of the original state as their surname.4: Chinese: Hokkien or Taiwanese Romanization of the surname 甄 see Zhen.5: Korean: variant of Jin 4.6: Japanese: written 陣 ‘ranks’ or ‘battle array’. It is not common in Japan.
Jing : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 景 meaning ‘scenery’ or ‘revere’ in Chinese: (i) in some families the surname is borne by descendants of nobles in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from Jing (景) posthumous title of Duke Jing of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 490 BC). (iii) from Jing Qing (景清) an official in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644 AD) who changed his original surname 耿 (Geng) to 景.2: Mandarin form of the surname 荊 a word meaning ‘brambles’: from Jing (荊) the original name of the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 井 referring to a ‘well’ in Chinese: from the personal name Jing Bo (井伯) the name of an official in the state of Yu (located in Shanxi province) during the Warring States Period (475–221 BC).4: Mandarin form of the surname 敬 meaning ‘respect’ in Chinese: (i) from Jing (敬) posthumous title of a son of Duke Li of Chen (ruler of the state of Chen died 700 BC). (ii) said to be borne by descendants of Jing Kang (敬康) a grandson of the legendary emperor Huang Di ‘the Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (iii) borne by descendants of Gou Hua Nan an official during the Qing dynasty (1616–1911 AD) who was endowed with the surname Jing (敬).5: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 靖 meaning ‘peaceful’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Jing Guo (靖郭) the conferred title of Tian Ying known as Jing Guo Jun (靖郭君 Lord Jing Guo) son of King Wei of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi 378 - 320 BC). (ii) from Jing (靖) posthumous title of Shan Jing Gong (单靖公 Duke Jing of Shan) ruler of the state of Shan during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).6: Mandarin form of the surname 經 meaning ‘warp (textile)’ in Chinese: (i) adopted in place of another Chinese surname Jing (京) by the descendants of Jing Fang (京房) (77–37 BC) a famous scholar during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC – 25 AD) who was persecuted and imprisoned for his unwelcome political proposals. His descendants thus changed the surname to Jing (經) in order to escape from persecution. (ii) traced back to Jing Hou (經侯 ‘Marquis Jing’) an official in the state of Wei during Warring States Period (475– 221 BC).7: variant Romanization of the surname 金 see Jin 1.8: variant Romanization of the surname 鄭 see Zheng 1.9: variant Romanization of the surname 曾 see Zeng.
John : 1: English and Welsh: ultimately from the Hebrew personal name Yoḥanan ‘Jehovah has favored (me with a son)’ or ‘may Jehovah favor (this child)’. This personal name was adopted into Latin (via Greek) as Johannes and has enjoyed enormous popularity in Europe throughout the Christian era being given in honor of Saint John the Baptist precursor of Christ and of Saint John the Evangelist author of the fourth gospel as well as the nearly one thousand other Christian saints who bore the name. Some of the principal forms of the personal name in other languages are: Welsh Ieuan Evan Siôn and Ioan; Scottish Ia(i)n; Irish Séan; German Johann Johannes; Dutch and Slavic Jan; French Jean; Italian Giovanni; Spanish Juan; Portuguese João; Greek Iōannēs (vernacular Giannis Yannis); Russian Ivan. There were a number of different forms of the name in Middle English including Jan(e) a male name (see Jayne); Jen (see Jenkin); Jon(e) (see Jones); and Han(n) (see Hann). By the beginning of the 14th century John rivalled William in popularity and has always been a favorite name. Johan became Jo(h)n and another Old French form Jehan was shortened to Jan and Jen giving rise to Old French and Middle English diminutives such as Jonin Janin and Jenin. More common in Middle English were Jankin Jonkin and Jenkin which were Middle Dutch pet forms introduced after the Conquest by Flemish and Picard settlers. The most common pet form of John was Jack another borrowing from Flemish and Picard usage. Han may sometimes have been a short form of Johan but was more usually a pet form of Henry. There were also various Middle English feminine versions of this name (e.g. Joan Jehan) some of which were indistinguishable from masculine forms. The distinction on grounds of gender between John and Joan was not firmly established in English until the 17th century. It was even later that Jean and Jane were specialized as specifically female names in English; bearers of these surnames and their derivatives are more likely to derive them from a male ancestor than a female. As a surname in the British Isles John is particularly frequent in Wales where it is a late formation representing Welsh Siôn rather than the older form Ieuan (which gave rise to the surname Evan). In North America the English form of the surname has absorbed many cognates from other languages e.g. Assyrian/Chaldean Youkhana French Jean Hungarian János (see Janos) Slovenian Janež and Janeš (see Janes) Czech Jan Albanian Gjoni and their derivatives (see examples at Johnson). The name John is also found among Christians in southern India (compare Ninan and Yohannan) but since South Indians traditionally do not have hereditary surnames the southern Indian name was in most cases registered as such only after immigration of its bearers to the US.2: German: from a North German and Silesian variant of the personal name Johannes. This surname is also found in France (Alsace and Lorraine). Compare Yohn.
Kang : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 康 meaning ‘healthy’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of Kang Shu (康叔) the posthumous title of one of the sons of the virtuous King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). Kang Shu was the first king of the state of Wey (衛) (which is located mainly around present-day Hebi and Xinxiang in Henan province). (ii) from the first element of Kang Ju (康居) the name of a state in Central Asia during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD). People from this state adopted 康 as their surname. (iii) from Kang (康) the Chinese name of the state of Samarkand in Central Asia. Immigrants from Samarkand in China acquired 康 the Chinese name of their state as their surname known as one of the 'Nine Sogdian Surnames’. (iv) adopted in place of another Chinese surname 匡 (see Kuang 2). Some people with the surname 匡 changed their surname to 康 during the reign of Zhao Kuangyin (赵匡胤) known as Emperor Taizu of Song (927–976 AD) the first emperor of the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127 AD) because 匡 happened to be part of the personal name of the emperor which was taboo in ancient China.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 亢 meaning ‘high’ or ‘haughty’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the placename Kang Fu (亢父) the name of a vassal state (in present-day Jining in Shandong province) in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) adopted in place of another Chinese surname 伉 (Kang in Mandarin pinyin) also sharing the same origin of another two Chinese surnames 抗 (Kang in Mandarin pinyin) and 杭 (pronounced the same as 抗 in ancient Chinese Hang in today's Mandarin pinyin) which can be traced back to San Kang (三伉/抗/杭) a noble official in the state of Wey (衛) during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC).3: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 耿 see Geng 2.4: Chinese: Teochew Hokkien or Taiwanese form of the surname 江 see Jiang 1. This pronunciation is found in eastern Guangdong province Fujian province and Taiwan from where some people migrated to Malaysia Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia.5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 簡 see Jian 1.6: Chinese: alternative Mandarin form of the surname 剛 see Gang 6.7: Korean: written 강 in Chinese characters 姜 康 剛 and 强. There are actually five Chinese characters for the surname Kang. Some records indicate that there are as many as one hundred separate Kang clans but only four have actually been documented. There is one Chinese character for each clan. The fifth character is an alternate character for the smallest of the Kang clans and is the result of a scribal error which was introduced in 1908. That segment of the smaller Kang clan which was labeled with the alternate character still uses it and recognizes it as the character for their surname. (i) The largest clan the Kang family of Chinju (it uses the Chinese character 姜) first appears in the historical record in AD 597. It is said to be descended from Kang I-shik (姜 以式) a military official in the ancient Koguryŏ kingdom. Kang I-shik valiantly defended the Koguryŏ kingdom against invasions from China. Subsequently his descendant Kang Chin (姜 縉) was enfeoffed with Chinju in Kyŏngsang South Province. Chinju henceforth became the clan seat for the Kang family. Many members of the largest Kang clan still live in the area of Chinju of Kyŏngsang Province. (ii) The Chinese character 康 is borne by the descendants of Kang Ho-kyŏng (康 虎景). His 14th-generation descendant Kang Chi-yŏn (康 之淵) attended the Koryŏ king Kojong when he fled to Kanghwa Island during the Mongol invasions. Kang Chi-yŏn was subsequently enfeoffed with Shinch’ŏn in Hwanghae Province. There are two other clans of this Kang family but both descend from Kang Chi-yŏn. (iii) The two smaller Kang clans have only a few households in all of Korea. Compare Gang 6.8: Cambodian: written កាំង of Chinese origin but unexplained etymology (probably corresponding to one of the surnames above).9: Cambodian: written កង corresponding to the Khmer word meaning e.g. ‘round bracelet’. Compare Kong 9.10: Southeast Asian (Hmong): variant of Khang 1; in Chinese characters it is written 康 (see 1 above).
Kit : 1: Ukrainian and Rusyn: nickname from Ukrainian and Rusyn kit ‘cat’. As a Rusyn name it is also found in Poland.2: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 揭 meaning ‘raise hoist’ in ancient Chinese: shortened form of the placename Jie Yang (揭陽) (located in present-day eastern Guangdong province) possibly borne by descendants of the governor of Jieyang originally called Shi Ding also known as Jie Yang Ling (揭陽令) during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC - 25 AD).3: Chinese: Teochew Hokkien or Taiwanese form of the surname 吉 see Ji 7.4: Chinese: possibly from Cantonese form of the Chinese name 傑 (meaning ‘outstanding’ or ‘hero’) a monosyllabic personal name or part of a disyllabic personal name of some early Chinese immigrants in the US.
Kui : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 奎 a name of one of the 28 Mansions in traditional Chinese astronomy: Han Chinese surname adopted by people from Mongolian and Manchu ethnic groups.2: alternative Mandarin form of the surnames 桂 and 歸 see Gui 1 and 2.3: Cantonese form of the surname 瞿 see Qu 2.4: Cantonese form of the surname 居 see Ju 2.5: another Mandarin form of the surname 隗 see Wei 7.
Landicho : Hispanic (Philippines): nickname from Spanish le han dicho ‘he has been told’.
Lao : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 勞 meaning ‘consoling and rewarding’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Lao Shan (勞山) the name of a famous hill in present-day Shandong province. It was adopted as a surname during the Western Han dynasty (202 BC–25 AD). (ii) from the official post in ancient China who took charge of consoling citizens and provided help for them. Since the Chinese character 勞 had the meaning ‘consoling and rewarding’ they acquired the surname 勞.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 老: (i) from the first element of Lao Tong (老童) title of son of the legendary king Zhuanxu (traditional dates: 2514–2437 BC). (ii) borne by descendants of Lao Dan (老聃) also known as Lao Tzu founder of Taoism. (iii) from Lao (老) the name of a fief (located in Shandong province) granted to grandson of the Duke Dai of Song (ruler of the state of Song reigned 799–766 BC).3: Chinese: alternative Cantonese form of the surnames 劉 and 柳. Also Teochew or Hokkien form of the surname 劉. See Liu 1 and 2.4: Chinese: alternative Cantonese form of the surnames 婁 and 樓 see Lou 1 and 2.5: Vietnamese: from the Chinese surname 勞 see 1 above.6: Catalan (Laó): variant of Llaó itself a variant of Lleó a cognate of Spanish Leo 5.7: Spanish (southern): unexplained.
Le : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 樂 meaning ‘happiness’ in Chinese: from the first element of the personal name Le Fu (樂父) style name of Yan son of the Duke Dai of Song (ruler of the state of Song reigned 799–766 BC). Yan's grandson Le Ju (樂莒) inherited Le (樂) as his surname.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 勒: (i) from the second element of the placename Shu-Le (疏勒) an ancient state (located in present-day Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region) during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD). (ii) a surname near the Bohai Sea region during the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). (iii) a surname traced back to the Hun ethnic group in northern China during the Jin dynasty (265–420 AD).3: Chinese: variant of Li.4: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 呂 possibly based on its Teochew pronunciation see Lu 6.5: Vietnamese (Lê): from the Chinese surname 黎 also the royal surname of the Lê Dynasty (usually referring to the Later Lê Dynasty 1428–1788 AD) see Li 2.6: Vietnamese (Lệ): from the Chinese surnames 厲 and 酈 see Li 5 and 6.
Lin : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 林 meaning ‘woods forest’: (i) from the placename Chang Lin (長林) where Jian son of Bi Gan took refuge after his father was killed by Zhou last king of the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). After the Shang dynasty was overthrown he was endowed with the surname Lin (林) by King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC). (ii) from the first element of the personal name Lin Kai (林開) son of King Ping of Zhou (died 720 BC). (iii) from the personal name of Lin Fang (林放) an official in the state of Lu also a student of Confucius (551–479 BC) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) adopted by the Qiu Lin (丘林) family as a surname during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (v) from the personal name of Lin Fu (林父) personal name of an official in the state of Wey during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) whose original surname was Sun. (vi) from the placename Lin (林) the name of a fief granted to an official in the state of Ju during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 藺 meaning ‘rush (a type of plant)’ in ancient Chinese: from the placename Lin (藺) the name of a fief (located in Shaanxi province or in Shanxi province) granted to Kang who lived during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). He was descended from the Han family in the state of Jin but later went to the state of Zhao to seek an official post.3: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 連 and 練 see Lian 2 and 3.4: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 凌 see Ling 4.5: Burmese: from a personal name usually forming part of a compound name from lin ‘bright clear’. Compare Lyn 3. — Note: Since Burmese do not have hereditary surnames this name was registered as such only after immigration of its bearers to the US.6: Cambodian: written លិន of Chinese origin but unexplained etymology (probably corresponding to one of the surnames above). Compare Lyn 3.7: Scottish and English: variant of Lynn and possibly also Flynn.
Liu : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 劉 referring to a ‘type of axe used as a weapon’ or meaning ‘kill’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Liu (劉) the name of an ancient state (located in Tang County in Hebei province). After this state was annexed during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou (reigned 827–782 BC) some people from it adopted 劉 as their surname. Liu Bang (劉邦) (256–195 BC) the founder of the Western Han dynasty (202 BC - 25 AD) is said to have been a descendant of one of these people. (ii) from the names of two other Western Han nobles Lou Jing and Xiang Bochan who were given the surname Liu (劉) by Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu of Han 256–195 BC). In addition one of Liu Bang's daughters was said to be sent to marry Modu Chanyu (died 174 BC) the then chief of the Huns after the campaign at Baideng in 200 BC and some of their descendants later inherited Liu (劉) as their surname. (iii) from the placename Liu (劉) the name of a fief (located in Yanshi in present-day Henan province) granted to the son of Wang Ji a noble who lived during the reign of King Cheng of Zhou (reigned 1042–1021 BC).2: Mandarin form of the surname 柳 meaning ‘willow’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the placename Liu Xia (柳下) the name of a fief (located in Shandong province) in the state of Lu granted to Zhan Qin also known as Liu Xia Hui (柳下惠) (720–621 BC) a revered judicial official in the state of Lu. (ii) from the placename Liu (柳) the name of a fief (located in Xihua in Henan province) granted to Xiong Xin (died 205 BC) a grandson of King Huai of Chu (ruler of the state of Chu died 296 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 留 meaning ‘stay’ in Chinese: (i) from placename Liu (留) the name of an ancient fief (possibly located in present-day Henan province) which was said to be granted to one of the sons of the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). (ii) from another placename Liu (留) the name of a fief (located in present-day Jiangsu province) granted to an official in the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) adopted in place of the original surname Liu (劉) by the descendants of Liu Dan (433–459 AD) who was murdered due to rebellion against his brother Emperor Xiaowu of Song (died 464 AD). His descendants were then ordered to change their surname to Liu (留).4: Cantonese form of the surname 廖 see Liao.
Long : 1: English and French: nickname for a tall person from Old English lang long Old French long ‘long tall’ (equivalent to Latin longus). Compare Dulong and Lelong.2: Irish (Ulster and Munster): shortened Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Longáin (see Langan).3: German: variant of Lang ‘long’ and in North America also an altered form (translation into English) of this.4: Native American (Navajo): translation into English and shortening of a personal name based on (or just composed of) the word nééz ‘tall long’ (see Nez 1). Compare Tallman.5: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 龍 meaning ‘dragon’ in Chinese: (i) from Long (龍) the name of an official during the reign of the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC) in charge of communications between the ordinary people and the emperor. (ii) from the surname Huan Long (豢龍 meaning ‘feeding dragons’). Dong Fu is said to have been endowed with this surname by the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC). Liu Lei who is said to have learned to feed dragons from one of Dong's descendants was endowed with the surname Yu Long (御龍 meaning ‘driving dragons’) by one of the kings of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (iii) the surname is borne by some families from the Zang Ge ethnic group in ancient China who lived in present-day Yunan and Guizhou provinces. (iv) the surname is also borne by members of the royal families of the ancient states of Qiemi and Yanqi (Karasahr) located in present-day Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.6: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 隆 meaning ‘prosperous thriving’ or ‘grand magnificent’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Long (隆) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shandong province) in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) the surname is borne by some families from the Huns during the early Western Han dynasty (202 BC - 25 AD).7: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 郎 see Lang 3.8: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 農 see Nong.9: Cambodian: written ឡុង of Chinese origin meaning ‘dragon’ (see 5 above).10: Vietnamese: from the Chinese surname 龍 see 5 above.
Lu : 1: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 盧 meaning both ‘black’in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Lu (盧) the name of a fief (located in Changqing in Shandong province) granted to Xi a great-grandson of Jiang Tai Gong or Jiang Ziya (c. 11th century BC). (ii) shortened form of the compound Chinese surname Lu-Pu (盧蒲 also written as 蘆蒲) borne by descendants of the Duke Huan of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 643 BC). (iii) from the placename of Lu (廬) the name of an ancient state (unknown location) prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). When it was adopted as a surname the Chinese character 廬 was simplified to 盧. (iv) from the Mo Lu (莫蘆) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who changed their original surnames to 蘆 during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD) and later some descendants simplified the Chinese character 蘆 to 盧. (v) from the Tu Fu Lu (吐伏盧) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who changed their original surnames to 盧 during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 蘆 meaning ‘reed’ in Chinese: (i) shortened form of the compound Chinese surname Lu Pu (盧蒲 also written as 蘆蒲) which was borne by descendants of the Duke Huan of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 643 BC). (ii) from the Mo Lu (莫蘆) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who changed their original surnames to 蘆 during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 魯 meaning ‘slow clumsy’ in Chinese: from Lu (魯) the name of a state (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) originally granted to Bo Qin a prince in the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). After the state was annexed by the state of Chu in 256 BC Lu (魯) was adopted as a surname.4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 路 meaning ‘roads’ in Chinese: (i) from Lu (路) the name of an ancient state (unknown location) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) said to be originally granted to Xuan Yuan by the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). (ii) from Lu Zi (潞子) the name of a state (located in Changzhi in Shanxi province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). After it was annexed by the state of Jin the Chinese character 潞 was simplified to 路 and adopted as a surname. (iii) said to be borne by descendants of Qiu Yan who was a descendant of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (iv) from the Mo Lu Zhen (沒路真) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who changed their original surnames to 路 during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (v) the surname can also be traced back to some families from the Huns (located in ancient northern China) and Shanyue ethnic group (located in ancient southeastern China).5: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 陸 meaning ‘six’ or ‘land’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the placename Lu Xiang (陸鄉) the name of a fief (located in Pingyuan in Shandong province) said to be originally granted to Lu Zhong a descendant of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). During the Warring States period (475–221 BC) the fief was also granted to Tian Tong the youngest son of King Xuan of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 301 BC). (ii) from the first element of Lu Hun (陸渾) the name of an ancient state (located in Songxian in Henan province) established by a minority ethnic group in northwestern China during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). After the state of Lu Hun was annexed by the state of Jin Lu (陸) was adopted as a surname. (iii) from the Bu Lu Hu (步陸狐) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who changed their original surname to 陸 during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iv) for some families the surname can be traced back to the Li ethnic group in Guizhou province as well as the Huns during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD).6: Chinese: variant Mandarin Romanization of the surname 呂 (supposed to be romanized as Lü but the umlaut is often missing in English) meaning ‘pitchpipe’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Lü (呂) the name of a state (located in Nanyang in Henan province) granted to Lü Hou (呂侯 Marquis of Lü) by Xia Yu the first king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) because of his contributions to controlling floods. After the state was annexed by the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) the name of the state was adopted as a surname. (ii) from the Chi Lü (叱呂) Si Lü Ling (俟呂陵) and some other families members of the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who changed their original surnames to 呂 during the Southern and Northern dynasties (420–589 AD). (iii) from the placename Lü (呂) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shanxi province) which was granted to Lü Xiang (呂相) son of an official who lived in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).7: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 鹿 meaning ‘deer’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of the placename Wulu (五鹿) (located in Shalu town Puyang in Henan province) a fief granted to an official from the state of Wey during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) adopted as a surname by the A Lu Huan (阿鹿桓) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).8: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 逯 meaning ‘walking freely’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Lu (逯) the name of a fief in the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) said to be borne by the descendants of the royal families in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).9: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 禄 meaning ‘emolument’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the personal name Lu Fu (禄父) style name of Wu Geng son of Zhou (the last king of the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC)). (ii) from the second element of Si Lu (司禄) the name of an official post the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (iii) from Lu (禄) personal name of the crown prince of King Ling of Chu (ruler of the state of Chu died 529 BC). (iv) adopted as a surname by the Duo Lu (咄禄) family during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (v) borne by the descendants of Lu Dong Zan (禄東赞) (died 667 AD) chief of the Tibetan Empire.10: Chinese: variant Mandarin Romanization of the surname 閭 (supposed to be romanized as Lü but the umlaut is often missing in English): (i) shortened form of the compound Chinese surname Lü Qiu (閭丘) borne by the descendants of Lü-Qiu Ying (閭丘婴) an official in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from the first element of Lü Shi (閭師) the name of an official post during the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC) in charge of taxes. (iii) from the second element of Zi Lü (子閭) style name of Qi son of King Ping of Chu (ruler of the state of Chu died 516 BC). (iv) adopted as a surname by the Yu Jiu Lü (鬱久閭) family during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).11: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 廖 see Liao.12: Vietnamese (Lữ): alternative variant for the Chinese surname 呂 (see 6 above); see also La.
Ma : 1: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 馬 which means ‘horse’: (i) from the first element of Mafu (馬服) the name of a fief (located in Handan in Hebei province) or an honorific title that was granted to Zhao She a prince of the state of Zhao during the Warring States period (475–221 BC). The name Mafu (馬服) was later acquired as a surname and shortened to Ma (馬). (ii) from the adopted name of Xi-Li Ji'en (習禮吉恩) an official in the Jin dynasty (1115–1234 AD) who changed his original name to Ma Qingxiang (馬慶祥) when he moved from Central Asia to Lintao (in present-day Gansu province). (iii) from the adopted name of Yue Naihe (月乃和) a commander-in-chief in the late Jin dynasty who changed his original name to Ma Zu Chang (馬祖常). (iv) this surname is also borne by Muslims of the Hui ethnic group located mainly in northwestern China.2: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 麻 which denotes a herbaceous plant such as hemp or flax: (i) from the placename Ma (麻) the name of a fief (located in Macheng in Hubei province) that was granted to an official of the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from the first element of the personal name of Ma Ying (麻婴) an official in the state of Qi (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Korean: written 마 in Chinese characters 馬 meaning ‘horse’. There are actually two Chinese characters for the surname Ma only one of which is frequent enough to be treated here. Two clans use the character 馬: the Mokch’ŏn clan and the Changhŭng clan. The character is borne by the descendants of Ma Ryŏ (馬 黎) who migrated to Korea from China during the Han Commanderies period (1st century BC) and attended King On Cho when he left Koguryŏ to found the Paekche Kingdom in 18 BC and by the descendants of Ryŏ's brother Ma Shin (馬 信) who stayed behind in Koguryŏ. The Ma family disappears from the historical record after these events but reappears during the reign of the Koryŏ king Chŏngjo (reigned 1776–1800 AD) when a high court official Ma Sun-hŭng (馬 順興) was enfeoffed with Mokch’ŏn County in Ch’ungch’ŏng South Province. Mokch’ŏn became the clan seat of the Ma Family. Another clan seat appeared eleven generations later when Ma Ch’ŏn-mok (馬 天牧) was enfeoffed with Changhŭng County. Compare Mah 2.4: Burmese: from a form of address for a young woman akin to English ‘miss’ used as part of the female name proper. — Note: Since Burmese do not have hereditary surnames this name was registered as such only after immigration of its bearers to the US.5: Cambodian: written ម៉ា probably of Chinese origin but unexplained etymology (compare above). It corresponds to the Khmer word borrowed from dialects of southern China (particularly Teochew Hokkien and Hakka) meaning ‘grandmother’.6: Vietnamese (Mã): from the Chinese surname 馬 see 1 above. It is also found among the Cham people in southern Vietnam.
Mao : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 毛 meaning ‘hair feather’ in Chinese: (i) from Mao (毛) the name of an ancient state (first located in Shaanxi province and later moved to Henan province) granted to Shu Zheng the eighth son of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). After the state was annexed by the state of Han during the Warring States period (475–221 BC) the name of the state was adopted as a surname. (ii) from the placename Mao (毛) the name of a fief (located in Henan province) granted to Bo Dan or Bo Ming the ninth son of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). (ii) the surname is also traced back to the Mao (毛) family from the Di (氐) ethnic groups prior to the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC) which were scattered across western China.2: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 茅 meaning ‘cogon’ in Chinese: from Mao (茅) the name of an ancient state (located in Jinxiang in Shandong province) granted to Mao Shu (茅叔) a grandson of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). After the state was annexed by the state of Zou in 493 BC the name of the state was adopted as a surname.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 冒: (i) from the second element of the personal name Fen Mao (蚡冒) style name of King Li of Chu (ruler of the state of Chu died 741 BC). (ii) adopted in place of other Chinese surnames including Ji (姬) and Mao (媢). (iii) said to be borne by some descendants of Tuohuan king of Zhennan (died 1439 AD) who fled to Rugao (located in present-day Jiangsu province) after the extinction of the Yuan dynasty (1206 – 1368 AD).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 茆 meaning ‘cogon grass’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by some descendants of Zhai Bo one grandson of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC); (ii) also said to be adopted in place of another Chinese surname Mao (茅 see Mao sense 2).5: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 牟 see Mou 1.6: Cambodian: written ម៉ៅ of Chinese origin (see 1 above).7: Vietnamese: from the Chinese surname 毛 see 1 above.8: In some cases possibly also Breton (also Le Mao): nickname status name or occupational name from Old Breton mauu ‘young boy; servant’.
Na : 1: Korean: there is only one Chinese character for the Na surname. Some sources indicate that there are 46 different Na clans but only two of them can be documented and it is believed that these two sprang from a common founding ancestor. The Na clan's founding ancestor Na Pu migrated from China sometime during the mid seventh century and settled in the Naju area. Compare Nah 3 and Ra 1.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 那 meaning ‘that’ in Chinese: (i) from Na (那) the name of a state (located in present-day Hebei province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) established by the migrants from the state of Quan due to the war launched by the state of Chu. (ii) traced back to minority ethnic groups in China such as Manchus who adopted Na (那) as their Han Chinese surname.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 納: (i) a surname of the Hui ethnic group said to be traced back to Nasr al-Din (died 1292 AD translated into Chinese as Na Su La Ding: 納速剌丁) a provincial governor of Yunnan and of Shaanxi during the Yuan dynasty and also the eldest son of the famous official Sayyid Ajall Shams al-Din Omar al-Bukhari (1211–79). (ii) adopted as a Han Chinese surname from other minority ethnic groups in China.4: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 藍 see Lan 1.
Nian : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 年 meaning ‘year’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by some descendants of Tian He also known as Duke Tai of Tian Qi (died 384 BC) king of the state of Qi during Warring States Period (475– 221 BC). (ii) adopted in place of another Chinese surname Yan (嚴) by descendants of Yan Fu (嚴富) an official during the Ming dynasty (1368– 1644 AD) who changed the original surname to Nian (年) because of mispronunciations influenced by local dialects. (iii) adopted as a Chinese surname by some tribes of the Manchu ethnic group.2: Mandarin form of the surname 粘 meaning ‘glutinous’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the compound surname Nian Ge (粘合 also written as 粘哥 粘割 or 粘葛) a surname from Jurchens ancestors of Manchu ethnic group during the Jin dynasty (1115–1234 AD). (ii) from the first element of Nian Han (粘罕) the name of a famous general during the Jin (or Jurchen) dynasty (1115–1234 AD).
Ping : 1: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 平 meaning ‘flat even’ in Chinese: (i) from Ping (平) the name of a fief (located in Linfen in Shanxi province) granted to Chuo the youngest son of the Marquess Ai of Han (ruler of the state of Han died 374 BC). (ii) from the first element of the personal name Ping Zhong (平仲) style name of Yan Yin an official in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).2: Chinese: alternative Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surnames 邴 and 兵 see Bing 4 and 5.3: English: variant of Pink.
Pu : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 蒲 meaning ‘bulrush reedmace’ in Chinese: (i) borne by descendants of the chief of the Western Qiang ethnic groups in northwestern China. It is said that giant bulrushes grew in a pond belonging to this family which earned them the surname Pu (蒲). (ii) from the first element of Pu Ban(蒲坂) the name of an ancient fief (located in Shanxi province) said to be granted to a descendant of Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 浦: said to be borne by some descendants of Jiang Tai Gong or Jiang Ziya (c. 11th century BC) who made great contributions to the establishment of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 濮: (i) from the placename Pu (濮) the name of a fief (located in Henan province) that was originally granted to an official in the state of Wey during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from Bai Pu (百濮) the name of an ancient ethnic group in present-day Hubei province during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 普 a surname of the Xianbei ethnic group in ancient China and also a Han Chinese surname adopted by other minority ethnic groups in China.5: Chinese: alternative Mandarin form of the surnames 卜 步 布 and 補 see Bu 2-5.6: Korean: there is only one Chinese character and one clan for the surname Pu. There is no historical information on the founder of this clan but there is a legend which tells of three men who appeared from a cave on the north side of Cheju Island's Halla Mountain. These three men were the founders of the Yang Ko and Pu clans. The mythological founder of the Pu clan was Pu Ŭl-la. Shortly after the three men emerged from the cave a box washed up on the shore of the island. Inside the box were three beautiful women horses cows and agricultural seed. From these beginnings the three established Cheju Island's T’amnaguk kingdom and ruled peacefully for centuries. Unlike the descendants of Yang and Ko however the descendants of Pu were for the most part content to remain on Cheju Island. A 1930 census revealed that 80% of bearers of the Pu surname were still located on Cheju Island. Pu is considered a rare surname in Korea today. Compare Boo 3.7: Amerindian (Guatemala): Mayan name from pu' ‘blowpipe’ a device used for bird hunting.
Qi : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 齊 meaning ‘neat’ or ‘identical’ in Chinese: (i) from Qi (齊) the name of a state (originally located mainly in Shandong province) that was granted to Jiang Ziya (also known as Jiang Tai Gong; c. 11th century BC) during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) from the first element of the personal name Qi Zi (齊子) style name of an official in the state of Wey during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) traced back to the Qi (齊) family from the Di ethnic group in Wudu (located in present-day Gansu province) in ancient China.2: Mandarin form of the surname 祁 meaning 'enormously' in ancient Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of one of the sons of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from the placename Qi (祈) the name of a fief (located in Shanxi province) granted to Xi an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) from the first element of Qi Fu (祈父) the name of an official during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC); also the name of an official post in charge of weapons during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 戚 meaning ‘grief’ in ancient Chinese and also denoting a type of weapon: from Qi (戚) the name of a fief (located in Henan province) granted to Sun Lin Fu an official in the state of Wey during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Mandarin form of the surname 漆 meaning ‘paint’ in Chinese: (i) shortened form of the Chinese compound surname Qi-Diao (漆雕) said to be descendants of Qi-Diao Kai (漆雕開) a pupil of Confucius (551–479 BC). (ii) said to be from the Sou Man ethnic group (found mostly in present-day Shandong province). (iii) from the placename Qi (漆) the name of a fief (located in Shandong province) granted to an official in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) possibly from Qi (漆) the name of a river in Shaanxi province.5: Mandarin form of the surname 亓: shortened form of the Chinese compound surname Qi-Guan (亓官) the name of an official post in charge of the marriage of women in ancient China.6: Mandarin form of the surname 蕲: (i) from Qi (蕲) the name of an ancient state (located in Anhui province) during Warring States Period (475– 221 BC) which was annexed by the state of Chu. (ii) from Qi Chun (蕲春) the name of a state (located in Qichun in present-day Hubei province) during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD).7: Mandarin form of the surname 啓 meaning ‘open’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Qi (啓) style name of the second king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from the personal name Qi (啓) style name of a prince in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).
Qiao : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 喬: (i) adopted in place of another homophonous Chinese surname Qiao (橋 which means ‘bridge’) during the Later Zhou dynasty (951–960 AD). (ii) a surname of the nobles of the Huns during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD).2: Mandarin form of the surname 譙 meaning ‘watchtower’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Qiao (譙) the name of a fief (located in Anhui province) granted to Sheng a grandson of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). (ii) said to be borne by the descendants of the Duke Ling of Xu (ruler of the state of Xu died 547 BC).
Qin : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 秦: (i) from Qin (秦) the name of a state (located in present-day Gansu province) originally granted to Fei Zi by King Xiao of Zhou (died 886 BC). The state of Qin eventually unified all of China under one rule for the first time in history. In 221 BC Ying Zheng (259—210 BC) known as ‘Qin Shi Huang’ established the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC) and became the first Emperor. During his reign he built the Great Wall and regularized the writing of Chinese characters and units of measures. After the Qin dynasty was overthrown in 206 BC people kept 秦 the name of the state as their surname. (ii) from the placename Qin (秦) the name of a fief (located in Fanxian in Henan province) granted to nobles of the state of Lu (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) who were descendants of Bo Qin a grandson of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC).2: Mandarin form of the surname 琴 denoting a type of ancient Chinese musical instrument: (i) from the first element of Qin Lao (琴牢) personal name of an official who lived in the state of Wey during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) and was reputed as a student of Confucius (551–479 BC). (ii) possibly borne by descendants of the ancient musicians who played musical instruments for public entertainment.3: Mandarin form of the surname 覃: surname that originated among minority ethnic groups in ancient southern China. The character 覃 also has another Mandarin pronunciation Tan which has a different origin; see Tan 2.4: Mandarin form of the surname 欽 a surname from the Wu Huan ethnic group in northern China during the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD).5: Mandarin form of the surname 勤 meaning ‘diligent’ in Chinese: from the first element of the personal name Qin Cheng (勤成) an official in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).
Qing : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 慶 meaning ‘celebrate’ in Chinese: (i) from Qing Ke (慶克) style name of a grandson of the Duke Huan of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 643 BC) (ii) said to be traced back to Qing Fu (慶輔) an official during the reign of the king Cheng Tang founder of the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (iii) from the first element of Qing-Fu (慶父) style name of a son of the Duke Huan of Lu (the 15th ruler of the state of Lu died 694 BC).2: Mandarin form of the surname 卿 meaning ‘gentleman minister’ in ancient China: borne by the descendants of gentleman ministers (named Qing (卿)) during the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 青 meaning ‘green’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Qing Yang (青陽) clan name of one son of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from the first element of the placename Qin Qiu (青丘) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shandong province) granted to an official in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). (iii) shortened form of the compound Chinese surname Qing Wu (青烏) adopted by the descendants of Qing Wu Zi (青烏子) said to be a mathematician during the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). (iv) a surname from the Tangut and Di ethnic groups in ancient northwestern China.4: Mandarin form of the surname 清 meaning 'clear' in Chinese: (i) from Qing (清) the name of a fief (located in Shanxi province) granted to an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC).(ii) from Qing (清) the name of an ancient state (possibly located in Shandong province).
Qiu : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 邱. This was adopted in place of the Chinese surname 丘 (see 2 below) after the Western Han dynasty (206 BC - 25 AD) particularly during the reign of the emperor Yong Zheng (1678–1735 AD) in the Qing dynasty (1616 – 1911 AD) who out of respect for Confucius (551–479 BC) ordered people with the surname 丘 to change to the surname 邱 because the original surname 丘 happened to be the personal name of Confucius.2: Mandarin form of the surname 丘 meaning ‘mound knoll’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of the placename Ying Qiu (營丘) (located in Shandong province) the capital of the state of Qi when the state was established by Jiang Tai Gong or Jiang Ziya (c. 11th century BC). (ii) traced back to the Qiu (丘) family in the Wu Huan ethnic group which originated in Inner Mongolia. (iii) adopted as a surname by the Qiu Dun (丘敦) and the Qiu Lin (丘林) families from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iv) from the second element of the placename Wan Qiu (宛丘) a city in the state of Chen during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (v) said to be traced back to Zuo Qiu Ming (左丘明) a famous historian in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (vi) said to be traced back to Qiu Ruo (丘弱) an official in the state of Zhu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 仇 meaning ‘companion’ or ‘spouse’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the first element of the personal name Qiu Mu (仇牧) personal name of an official in the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) adopted in place of the Chinese surname Hou (侯) by Qiu Luo Qi (仇洛奇) during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).4: Mandarin form of the surname 裘 meaning 'clothes made of fur’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Qiu (裘) the name of a fief (thought to be located in Henan or Hebei province) granted to an official in the state of Wey during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from Qiu (裘) the title of an official in charge of making furs during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (iii) in some cases 裘 was adopted in place of the Chinese surname 仇 (see 3 above) in order to escape from persecution.5: Mandarin form of the surname 秋 meaning ‘autumn’ in Chinese: (i) from Si Qiu (司秋) the name of a god in charge of autumn who according to legend was a descendant of the legendary king Shao Hao (c. 26th century BC). (ii) from Qiu Hu (秋胡) a person originating in the state of Lu who simplified the Chinese character 湫 part of his grandfather's personal name to Qiu (秋) and adopted it as a surname. (iii) possibly from Qiu (秋) or Qiu Guan (秋官) also called Si Kou the name of an official post during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC) in charge of criminal investigation and punishment.
Rotan : Probably an altered form of German Rothan a nickname meaning ‘red John’ for someone with red hair from Middle High German rōt ‘red’ + Han a short form of Johannes.
Sa : 1: Portuguese (Sá): variant of Saa.2: Korean: there are three Chinese characters associated with this surname. Two of these are very rare and are not treated here. The remaining Sa surname is also quite unusual. There are two distinct clans one of Kyŏngsang South Province's Kŏch’ang County and the other originating with a refugee from Ming China who came to Korea near the end of the Koryŏ period (AD 918–1392).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 薩: (i) adopted as the surname by the Sa Gu (薩孤) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–557 AD). (ii) adopted as a Han Chinese surname by other ethnic groups in China.4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 撒 a surname traced back to Khitan Jurchen Tibetan Mongolian and Hui ethnic groups in ancient China.5: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 沙 see Sha 1.
Sai : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 賽 meaning ‘giving thanks to God’ in ancient Chinese: adopted as a Han Chinese surname from different minority ethnic groups in ancient China.2: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 蔡 possibly based on its pronunciation in the Hainanese dialect see Cai 1.3: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 佘 see She 1.4: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 西 see Xi 5.5: Chinese: possibly from Cantonese form of the Chinese name 世 (meaning ‘world’) a monosyllabic personal name or part of a disyllabic personal name of some early Chinese immigrants in the US.6: Vietnamese (Sái): from the Chinese surname 蔡 see Cai 1 and 2 above.7: Vietnamese (Sài): from the Chinese surname 柴 see Chai 1.8: Possibly also Burmese (Shan): from a title of respect and a form of address for a man similar to English ‘mister’. — Note: This title is not used as a personal name in Burma but in the US it might have been in some cases registered (or counted in the census data) as a surname.
Schneiderhan : German: distinguishing occupational name meaning ‘Tailor John’ from Schneider + Han a shortened form of Johann.
She : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 佘: (i) perhaps a miswritten and mispronounced form of another Chinese surname 余. See Yu 1.(ii) possibly a shortened form of the Chinese compound surname She Qiu (佘丘) the name of a fief in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).2: Mandarin form of the surname 厙 or 庫: surname from the minority ethnic groups in northwestern China during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) said to be borne by the descendants of She Jun (厙均) a general during the Eastern Han dynasty (25– 220 AD).3: variant Romanization of the surnames 徐 and 許 see Xu 1 and 2.4: variant Romanization of the surname 石 see Shi 1.5: variant Romanization of the surname 謝 see Xie 1.
Sheng : Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 盛 which means ‘flourishing prosperous’: (i) from Sheng (盛) the name of a state during the reign of King Mu of Zhou (reigned 976–922 BC) the fifth king of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) from the name of Sheng Bao (盛苞) an official in the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD) whose original surname was Shi (奭). He changed it to Sheng (盛) because his original surname was identical to the personal name of Emperor Yuan of Han (75–33 BC) which was taboo in ancient China.
Shi : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 石 meaning ‘stone’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the personal name Shi Que (石碏) a highly esteemed official in the state of Wey during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from one of the 'Nine Sogdian Surnames’ also known as ‘nine surnames of Zhaowu’ because their ancestors came from Zhaowu an ancient city in present-day Gansu province in northwestern China. During the Sui and Tang dynasties (581–987 AD) there were nine Sogdian states in Central Asia one of which was called Shi (石) in Chinese. Between 649 and 655 AD these states submitted to Emperor Gaozong of Tang (628 - 683 AD). The natives and their descendants from the state of Shi (石) in China acquired the surname Shi (石). (iii) from the second element of the personal name Zi Shi (子石) style name of a prince of the state of Zheng and another prince of the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) from the second element of the personal name Bo Shi (伯石) style name of an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (v) adopted as a surname by the Wu Shi Lan (烏石蘭) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (vi) adopted in place of several other surnames including Zhang (張) Ran (冉) and Lou (婁).2: Mandarin form of the surname 史 meaning ‘history’ or ‘official historiographer’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of Cang Jie the official historiographer during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). Cang Jie is said to have been the inventor of Chinese characters. (ii) from Shi (史) post name of an official in charge of recording historical events during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). The surname was subsequently adopted as a surname by descendants of official historiographers in many states during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) from one of the 'Nine Sogdian Surnames’ also known as ‘nine surnames of Zhaowu’ because their ancestors came from Zhaowu an ancient city in present-day Gansu province in northwestern China. During the Sui and Tang dynasties (581–987 AD) there were nine Sogdian states in Central Asia one of which was called Shi (史) in Chinese. Between 649 and 655 AD these states submitted to Emperor Gaozong of Tang (628 - 683 AD). (iv) adopted as a surname by the A Shi Na (阿史那) family members of a Turkic tribe during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD). (v) borne by descendants of Shi Ji Xian(史繼先) who was endowed with the surname Shi (史) by Emperor Suzong of Tang (reigned 756–762 AD).3: Mandarin form of the surname 施 meaning ‘give grant’ or ‘execute’ in Chinese: (i) from Shi (施) the name of an ancient state (probably located in Shandong or Hubei province) which existed during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) borne by the descendants of the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). The Shi family was one of the seven clans of the Shang dynasty that were sent to the state of Wey after the annihilation of the Shang dynasty. (iii) from the first element of the personal name Shi Fu (施父) style name of Wei son of the Duke Hui of Lu (ruler of the state of Lu reigned 768–723 BC) Shi Fu was said to be good at music and later became a talented official in the state of Lu.4: Mandarin form of the surname 師 meaning ‘teacher musician’ or ‘leaders’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Shi (師) the ancient appellation of official musicians whose descendants acquired Shi (師) as their surname. (ii) from the first element of the post name Shi Yin (師尹) an official post during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (iii) adopted in place of the surname 尹 by Shi An Shi (師安石) an official who lived during the Jin dynasty (1115–1234 AD).5: Mandarin form of the surname 時 meaning ‘time hour’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Shi (時) the name of a fief (probably located in present-day Henan province) granted to Lai an official in the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) a descendant of one of the royal families of the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) from Shi (時) the name of an ancient state (located in Shandong province) which was annexed by the state of Chu. (iii) from the personal name Shi (時) style name of Shen Shu Shi (申叔時) an official who lived in the state of Chu at some time during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).6: Mandarin form of the surname 釋 a simplified Chinese form referring to Siddhartha Gautama or Gautama Buddha the founder of Buddhism. This surname is mainly borne by the people who were introduced to or converted to Buddhism.7: Mandarin form of the surname 侍 meaning ‘serve’ in Chinese: (i) from part of the official post names Shi Zhong (侍中) and Chang Shi (常侍) official posts in charge of providing service for the emperors during the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). (ii) shortened form of the Chinese compound surname Shi-Qi (侍其).8: variant Romanization of the surname 司 see Si 1.9: variant Romanization of the surname 佘 see She 1.
Su : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 蘇 the Chinese name for perilla (a herb of the mint family); also meaning ‘revive’ in Chinese: (i) from Su (蘇) the name of an ancient state (originally located in Henan province then moved to Hebei province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) and the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). During the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC) the state of Su (蘇) was granted to Su Fen Sheng (蘇忿生) a revered official who made great contributions to the establishment of the Western Zhou dynasty. After the state was annexed by minority ethnic groups in northern China during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) the name of the state was adopted as a surname. (ii) adopted as a surname by the Ba Lue (拔略) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iii) traced back to the Wu Huan ethnic group and the Di ethnic group in northern China.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 㝛 meaning ‘lodge for the night’ in Chinese: (i) from Su (㝛) the name of an ancient state (located in Dongping in Shandong province) during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) adopted as a surname by the Su Liu Jin (㝛六斤) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 粟 meaning ‘unhusked millet’ or ‘grain’ in Chinese: (i) from Su (粟) post name during the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC) in charge of grains or post name during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD) in charge of army provisions (mainly consisting of grains). (ii) possibly misused form of another Chinese surname 宿 because of their similar pronunciations.4: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 舒. Also variant Romanization of the surname 束. See Shu 1 and 2.5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surnames 徐 胥 and 須 possibly based on their Hokkien pronunciation see Xu 1 3 and 5.6: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surnames 史 and 師 probably based on their Teochew Hokkien or Taiwanese pronunciations found in Fujian and Taiwan from where some people migrated to Malaysia Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. See Shi 2 and 4.7: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 司 see Si 1.8: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 蕭 (or 肖) see Xiao.9: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 褚 see Chu 2.10: Vietnamese (Sử): from the Chinese surname 史 see Shi 1.
Sui : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 隋: (i) borne by descendants of Sui Yu (隋昱) an official who lived during the reign of Emperor Guangwu of Han (5 BC–57 AD). (ii) adopted in place of another Chinese surname Sui (隨) sharing the same pronunciation with the Chinese character Sui (隋).2: Mandarin form of the surname 眭: from the placename Sui (眭) the name of a fief (located in Shaanxi province) granted to an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 睢 meaning ‘stare at’ in Chinese: from the placename Sui (睢) the name of a fief (located in Suixian in present-day Henan province) granted to an official in the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) and later to an official in the state of Zhao during Warring States Period (475– 221 BC).4: Cantonese form of the surname 帥 see Shuai.5: Cantonese form of the surnames 水 and 稅 see Shui 1 and 2.6: Cantonese form of the surnames 胥 and 須 see Xu 3 and 5.7: variant Romanization of the surname 徐 See Xu 1.8: variant Romanization of the surname 蘇 see Su 1.
Sun : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 孫 meaning ‘grandson’ in Chinese: (i) from Hui Sun (惠孫) style name of the son of the Duke Wu of Wey (ruler of the state of Wey c. 853–758 BC). Hui Sun's grandson later inherited 孫 part of the style name of his grandfather as his surname. (ii) from Sun Shu (孫書) an official in the state of Qi (located mainly in present-day Shandong province). He was given the surname 孫 by the Duke Jing of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 490 BC) because of his contributions in the war between the state of Qi and the state of Lü (located in Shandong province). Sun Wu (孫武 also known as Sun Tzu) a prominent militarist during the Warring States period (475–221 BC) famous for his book The Art of War was a descendant of Sun Shu. (iii) from Sun Shu (孫叔) style name of Sun Shu Ao (c. 630–593 BC) a famous official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). His descendants inherited 孫 part of the style name as their surname. (iv) for some families the surname is traced back to Xun (荀). People with the surname 荀 changed it to 孫 during the reign of Liu Xun (劉恂) also known as Emperor Xuan of Han (91–49 BC) because it had the same pronunciation as the personal name of the emperor which was taboo in ancient China. After the death of Han Xuan Di some people kept the surname 孫 while others changed it back to their original surname 荀.2: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 荀 see Xun 1.3: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 申 (see Shen 2) 辛 (see Xin 1) and 山 (see Shan 2).4: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 沈 see Shen 1.5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 岑 see Cen.6: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 宣 see Xuan 1.7: Korean: variant of Son 1.
Tang : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 湯 meaning ‘soup’ or ‘hot water’ in Chinese: (i) from part of the title of Cheng Tang (成湯) a title of Lü founder of the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) from the personal name of Tang Yue (湯悅) who changed his original surname Yin (殷) to Tang (湯) during the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 唐 meaning ‘boastful’ or ‘in vain’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Tang (唐) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shanxi province) which is said to have belonged to the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). The state of Tang was annexed by King Cheng of Zhou (reigned 1042–1021 BC). The original inhabitants migrated to the state of Du (located in present-day Shaanxi province) adopting 唐 as their surname. Later King Cheng of Zhou granted the fiefdom of Tang to Shu Yu also known as Tang Shu Yu (Shu Yu of Tang) the third son of King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC). The fiefdom was eventually annexed by the state of Chu in 505 BC. Some of his descendants too inherited 唐 the name of the fief as their surname. (ii) in some families this surname can be traced back to a minority ethnic group in the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD) in southwestern China.3: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 鄧 see Deng.4: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 滕 see Teng 1.5: Chinese: alternative Mandarin form of the surname 黨 see Dang 1.6: Chinese: Hokkien form of the surname 董 see Dong 1.7: Chinese: Teochew or Hokkien form of the surname 陳 see Chen 1.8: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 鄭 based on its Hokchew (Fuzhou) pronunciation a Min dialect spoken in the provincial capital of Fujian province see Zheng 1.9: Vietnamese (Tăng): from the Chinese surname 曾 see Zeng.10: Southeast Asian (Iu Mien): from the name of the Tang clan of the Iu Mien people from Laos. Compare Saetern.11: Korean: only one Chinese character is used in Korean for the surname Tang and the Miryang is the only Tang clan. Its founding ancestor Tang Sŏng migrated from Yüan China some time during the latter part of the 14th century. This is a comparatively rare surname in Korea.12: Norwegian: habitational name from the farm name Tang in Sogn most likely of the same origin as Tangen. Compare Thang 5.
Teng : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 滕 (or rarely 腾) meaning ‘(water) surging’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Teng (滕) the name of a state (located in present-day Tengxian in Shandong province) which was given to Cuo Shu Xiu the 14th son of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC).(ii) said to be borne by one of the 25 sons of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (iii) adopted as a Han Chinese surname by minority ethnic groups such as Manchus and Mongolians.2: Chinese: alternative Mandarin form (also Teochew or Hokkien form) of the surname 鄧 see Deng.3: Chinese: alternative Cantonese form of the surname 丁 see Ding 1.4: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 陳 see Chen 1.5: Chinese: Hokkien or Teochew form of the surname 湯. Also variant Romanization of the surname 唐. See Tang 1 and 2.6: Cambodian: written តេង of Chinese origin (compare above).
Wei : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 魏 a term referring to ‘the buildings at either side of the gates of the royal palace’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Wei (魏) originally the name of a fief (located in Ruicheng in Shanxi province) granted to Bi Wan an official in the state of Jin. In 403 BC the state of Jin was split into three one of which was the state of Wei (魏) established by Wei Huan Zi (魏桓子). After this state was annexed by the state of Qin in 225 BC its name was adopted by some people as a surname. (ii) adopted in place of the surname Mi (羋) by Wei Ran (魏冉) an official who lived in the state of Qin during the Warring States period (475–221 BC). (iii) borne by descendants of Wei Liao Weng (魏了翁) a scholar during the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279 AD) who changed his original name Gao (高) to his uncle's surname Wei (魏).2: Mandarin form of the surname 危 meaning ‘danger’ or ‘towering’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of the placename San Wei (三危) (located in Gansu province) to which people from an ancient state called San Miao (located in present-day Hunan Hubei and Jiangxi province) are said to have migrated during the reign of the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC). (ii) borne by descendants of Wei Su (危素) a scholar during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644 AD) who changed his original surname Huang to Wei (危).3: Mandarin form of the surname 韋 meaning ‘leather’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the second element of the placename Shi Wei (豕韋) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province) said to have originally been granted to Yuan Zhe by Shao Kang the sixth king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) possibly from Wei (韋) as a title of an official in charge of the manufacture of leather goods. (iii) traced back to the Wei (韋) family in the ancient state of Shu Le (located in present-day Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region) during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD). (iv) said to be borne by descendants of Han Xin (韓信) a revered official in the early Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD) who was killed on the orders of Empress Lü (wife of Emperor Gaozu of Han). His descendants fled to southern Canton (present-day Guangdong province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) and simplified their surname Han (韓) to Wei (韋) in order to avoid persecution. (v) borne by descendants of Huan Yan Fan who was endowed with the surname Wei (韋) by Emperor Zhongzong of Tang (656–710 AD) as a token of appreciation.4: Mandarin form of the surname 衛 meaning ‘defend guard’ in Chinese: (i) from Wei/Wey (衛) the name of a state (located in Henan province) granted to Kang Shu also known as Wey Kang Shu (衛康叔 Kang Shu of Wey) the 9th son of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). After it was annexed by the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) it was adopted as the surname by its original inhabitants. (ii) traced back to the Wei (衛) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China.5: Mandarin form of the surname 位 meaning ‘position’ in Chinese: said to be traced back to Wei Shi (位侍) the name of a king of Yutian (also known as Kingdom of Khotan an ancient Buddhist kingdom located in present-day Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region).6: Mandarin form of the surname 尉 (also pronounced as Yu in Mandarin see Yu 12) the name of the official title of prison wardens in ancient China said to be borne by the descendants of prison wardens in ancient China.7: Mandarin form of the surname 隗 (also pronounced as Kui in Mandarin): (i) a surname from the state of Di (possibly located in Shanxi province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) a surname from the Tangut ethnic group in ancient northwestern China.
Wu : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 吳 meaning ‘big large’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Wu (吳) the name of a state (located in present-day Jiangsu province) which was granted to Tai Bo the first son of King Tai of Zhou (died c. 1146 BC). After it was annexed by the state of Yue in 473 BC people from the state adopted 吳 (Wu) as their surname. (ii) from the placename Yu (虞) (located in present-day Shanxi province). Because Yu (虞) had a similar pronunciation to that of Wu (吳) in ancient Chinese some people acquired Wu (吳) instead of Yu (虞) as their surname.2: Mandarin form of the surname 伍 meaning ‘five’ in Chinese: (i) from the personal name of Wu Xu (伍胥) an official during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from the personal name of Wu Can (伍參) an official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 武 meaning ‘military’ or ‘martial arts’ in Chinese: (i) from Wu Luo (武羅) which is said to be either the name of an official or that of an ancient state (in present-day Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from the personal name of Wu Ding (武丁) (died 1192 BC) king of the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (iii) from the personal name of Ji Wu (姬武) son of King Ping of Zhou (died 720 BC). (iv) from Wu (武) the posthumous title of the Duke Wu of Song (ruler of the state of Song reigned 765–748 BC).4: Mandarin form of the surname 巫 meaning ‘wizard witch’ in Chinese: (i) from the personal name of Wu Peng (巫彭) a doctor during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from the personal name of Wu Xian (巫鹹) and Wu Xian (巫賢) officials during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (iii) from the occupational term Wu (巫) denoting soothsayers astrologists doctors or wizards in ancient China.5: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 鄔: (i) from the placename Wu (鄔) a fief (in present-day Henan province) which was given to Qiu Yan the fourth son of Lu Zhong (said to be a descendant of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ c. 27th century BC). (ii) from Wu (鄔) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shanxi province) which was granted to Wu Zang (鄔臧) an official in the state of Jin (located in present-day Shanxi province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).6: Mandarin form of the surname 毋 meaning ‘no’ in ancient Chinese: (i) said to be borne by the descendants of Wu Ju (毋句) said to be the inventor of the sounding stone (or Qing) a musical instrument in ancient China. (ii) borne by the descendants of the royal families in the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) shortened form of compound Chinese surname Wu-Qiu (毋邱) the name of a fief in the state of Qi granted to a brother of King Xuan of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 301 BC) during Warring States Period (475– 221 BC). (iv) a surname from minority ethnic groups in ancient southwestern China.7: Mandarin form of the surname 烏 meaning ‘black’ in Chinese: (i) said to be from the first element of Wu Niao (烏鳥 literally meaning ‘black bird’) the name of a legendary official post prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from the first element of the placename Wu Cheng (烏程) (located in present-day Zhejiang province) inhabited by the descendants of Gou Jian (died 465 BC) ruler of the state of Yue. (iii) shortened form of Wu-Huan (烏桓) a surname derived from the name of an ethnic group in northern China. (iv) adopted as a Han Chinese surname by the Wu Shi Lan (烏石蘭) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD) and by other minority ethnic groups in ancient northern China.8: Mandarin form of the surname 午 meaning ‘noon’ in Chinese: from Wu (午) personal name of Zi Geng (died 552 BC) prince of the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).9: Mandarin form of the surname 仵 meaning ‘to be equal’ to or ‘to violate’ in ancient Chinese: borne by some descendants of the nobles in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) possibly adopted in place of other Chinese surnames.10: Mandarin form of the surname 吾 meaning 'I' in ancient Chinese: from the second element of Kun Wu (昆吾) the name of a descendant of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). Kun Wu was said to excel at making cermatics and bronze vessels and establish a state (said to be located in present-day Henan province) also named Kun Wu during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).11: Cantonese form of the surname 胡 see Hu 1.12: Hokkien form of the Chinese surname 余 see Yu 1.
Xing : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 邢: (i) from Xing (邢) the name of an ancient state (located in Xingtai in Hebei province) granted to the fourth son of Zhou Gong Dan (known as Duke of Zhou or Duke Wen of Zhou the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC)). After the state was annexed by the state of Wey (衛) (located around present-day Hebi and Xinxiang in Henan province) in 635 BC people kept the name of the state as their surname. (ii) from the placename Xing (邢) the name of a fief (located in Wenxian in Henan province) granted to descendants of Han Xuan Zi (died 541 BC) a revered official in the state of Jin (located mainly in present-day Shanxi province).2: Mandarin form of the surname 刑 meaning ‘punishment penalty’ in Chinese: (i) borne by the descendants of judicial officers in ancient China. (ii) said to be adopted as a surname by Yu Rang an assassin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) a surname from the Hun ethnic group in northern China.3: Mandarin form of the surname 幸 meaning ‘gaining imperial favor’ in ancient Chinese: possibly borne by descendants of those people who gained favor from the emperors or nobles.
Xuan : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 宣: (i) from Xuan (宣) posthumous title of King Xuan of Zhou (reigned 827–782 BC) one of the kings of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) from Xuan (宣) posthumous title of the Duke Xuan of Song (the 13th ruler of the state of Song reigned 747–729 BC). (iii) from Xuan Bo (宣伯 'Earl Xuan') posthumous title of Shusun Qiaoru an official in the state of Lu (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). In ancient Chinese 宣 denoted the grand hall of an imperial palace; it was also used to refer to imperial edicts and to an very rare and valuable kind of jade. (Jade is regarded in Chinese culture as an auspicious material that can bring good luck and ward off evil.) These meanings might explain why this Chinese character was sometimes used as a posthumous title by members of royal families.2: Mandarin form of the surname 禤: possibly traced back to Xuan Chunwang (禤纯旺) an official in the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD).This surname is found mainly in Guangdong Guangxi and Hong Kong.3: Mandarin form of the surname 玄 meaning ‘mysterious’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Xuan Xiao (玄霄) son of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) said to be traced back to Xuan Shou (玄壽) an official during the reign of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (iii) a Korean surname.4: Mandarin form of the surname 軒 probably derived from the first element of Xuan Yuan (軒轅) personal name of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC).
Yan : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 嚴 meaning ‘solemnity’ in Chinese: this surname evolved from another Chinese surname 莊 (Zhuang in Mandarin pinyin see Zhuang). People with the surname 莊 changed it to 嚴 (both Chinese characters mean ‘solemnity’) during the reign of Liu Zhuang (劉莊) also known as Emperor Ming of Han (28–75 AD) because the surname 莊 happened to be the personal name of the emperor which was taboo in ancient China. Later some descendants kept the surname 嚴 whereas others changed back to the original surname 莊.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 閻 meaning ‘hell’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Yan (閻) the name of a fief (located in Xihua in Henan province) said to have been granted to Zhongyi by King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC). But it is also said that King Kang of Zhou (reigned c. 1020–996 BC) granted the fiefdom of Yan to his youngest son. (ii) from the placename Yan (閻) the name of a fief (located around the town of Yanjing in Shanxi province) granted to Yi the prince of the state of Jin (located in present-day Shanxi province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 閆 which probably evolved from the surname 閻 (see 2 above).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 顏 meaning ‘face’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the personal name of Yan (顏) style name of Duke Wu of Zhu also known as Zhu Yan Gong (Duke Yan of Zhu) or Yan Gong (Duke Yan) the 7th ruler of the state of Zhu (located in present-day Shandong province) during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) from the placename Yan (顏) the name of a fief (located in Shandong province) granted to Bo Qin son of the first king of the state of Lu (located in present-day Shandong province) during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC).5: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 晏 meaning ‘late’ or ‘feast’ in ancient Chinese: (i) it is said that this surname is traced back to Yan An (晏安) the fifth son of Lu Zhong said to have been a descendant of the legendary king Zhuanxu (traditional dates: 2514–2437 BC). (ii) it is said that this surname can also be traced back to Yan Long (晏龍) an official during the reign of the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). (iii) the surname is also traced back to Yan Ruo (晏弱) a noble in the state of Qi (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).6: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 言 meaning ‘words speech’ in Chinese: (i) in some cases the surname is borne by descendants of the royal families of the state of Han (located mainly in present-day Shaanxi and Henan provinces) who were descendants of Huan Shu of Quwo(802–731 BC). (ii) in other families the surname is traced back to Yan Yan (言偃) a student of Confucius (551–479 BC).7: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 燕 meaning ‘swallow’ in Chinese: (i) from Yan (燕) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province) dating back to the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC) known as the South Yan. (ii) from Yan (燕) the name of a state (located in present-day Hebei and Liaoning provinces) known as ‘North Yan’. This was originally granted to Shao Gong Shi (Duke of Shao) brother of King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC). After the state was annexed by the state of Qin (located originally in present-day W Shaanxi province) in 222 BC people adopted the name of the state 燕 as their surname. (iii) a surname from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China.8: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 鄢: (i) from Yan (鄢) the name of a small state (located in Yanling in Henan province) which was annexed by the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from Yan (鄢) the name of another small state (located in Hubei province) during the Warring States period (475–221 BC).9: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 彦 meaning ‘talented people’ in Chinese said to be borne by the descendants of Jiang Ziya or Jiang Tai Gong (c. 11th century BC) an official during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). It was also said to be borne by the descendants of an official in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).10: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 延 meaning ‘extend’ in Chinese: (i) said to be from the personal name Yan (延) the name of the third son of Feng Feng an official during the reign of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from the placename Yan Ling (延陵) the name of a fief (located in Jiangsu province) granted to Zha prince of the state of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). (iii) adopted as a surname by the Ke Di Yan (可地延) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iv) a surname from other minority ethnic groups in China.11: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 岩 meaning ‘rock’in Chinese.12: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 甄 see Zhen.13: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 殷 and 印 see Yin 1 and 3.14: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 忻 see Xin 3.15: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 袁 see Yuan 1.16: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 楊 see Yang 1.17: Burmese: from the male personal name Yan (originally forming part of a compound name) of unexplained etymology. — Note: Since Burmese do not have hereditary surnames this name was registered as such only after immigration of its bearers to the US.18: Cambodian: written យ៉ាន or យ៉ន of Chinese origin from 嚴 meaning ‘solemnity’ (see 1 above).19: Americanized form of North German Sorbian Czech Slovak or Polish (and perhaps also Slovenian or Danish) Jan or Ján ‘John’.20: In some cases possibly also Breton (mainly Finistère): variant of Yann ‘John’.
Ying : 1: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 應 meaning ‘respond’ or ‘should’ in Chinese: from Ying (應) the name of a state (located in Henan province) granted to the fourth son of King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC).2: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 嬴: (i) said to be a surname borne by one of the sons of the legendary emperor Huang Di or ‘the Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from the placename Ying (嬴) the name of a county (located in present-day Shandong province) in the state of Qi and also the name of a river (located in Hebei province).3: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 英 meaning ‘flower’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Ying (英) the name of an ancient state (located in Anhui province) annexed by the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) (ii) adopted as a Han Chinese surname by other minority ethnic groups in China.4: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 邢 and 刑 see Xing 1 and 2.5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 殷 see Yin 1.6: Possibly also an Americanized form of German Jüng (see Jung).
Yu : 1: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 余 (or rarely written as 餘) meaning ‘I’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the second element of the personal name You Yu (由余) the name of a prime minister in the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from Yu (余) the name of a small state during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) said to be borne by descendants of Xia Yu the first king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).2: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 于 (meaning ‘go’ in ancient Chinese) or 於 (often simplified as 于 in Mainland China meaning ‘depend on’ in ancient Chinese): (i) simplified form of the Chinese character 邘 the name of an ancient state (located in Qinyang in Henan province) which was granted to Yu Shu (邘叔) the third son of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). After it was annexed by the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) the Chinese character 邘 (pronounced Yu) was simplified to (于) and adopted as a surname. (ii) adopted as a surname by the Wan Niu Yu (萬忸于) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iii) adopted in place of the Chinese compound surname Chun-Yu (淳于) because the first element of the surname Chun happened to share the same pronunciation with the personal name of the emperor Li Chun also known as Emperor Xianzong of Tang (778–820 AD) which was taboo in ancient China. (iv) said to be traced back to Yu Ze (於則) who said to be the inventor of shoes an official the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (v) from the second element of the placename Shang Yu (商於) in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 俞 meaning ‘assent consent’ in ancient Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Yu Fu (俞跗) a famous doctor during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) said to be traced back to the noble families in the state of Zheng and Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 虞 referring to a kind of beast in ancient Chinese: from Yu (虞) the name of two ancient states. One is known as Dong Yu or Eastern Yu (located in Yucheng in Henan province) said to have been granted by Xia Yu the first king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) to the son of the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC). The other is known as Xi Yu or Western Yu (located in Pinglu in Shanxi province) which was annexed by the state of Jin in 655 BC.5: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 庾 meaning ‘open-air granaries’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of Zhang Yu (掌庾) literally meaning ‘in charge of open-air granaries’ the name of an official post during the reign of the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). (ii) from the first element of Yu Lin (庾廩) meaning ‘granaries’ the name of an official post during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (iii) from Yu (庾) the name of an ancient state during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).6: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 喻 meaning ‘explain’ or ‘analogy’ in Chinese: (i) adopted in place of another Chinese surname Yu (諭) after the Eastern Jin dynasty (316–420 AD). (ii) adopted in place of another Chinese surname pronounced Yu (渝) during the reign of Emperor Jing of Han (188–141 BC) because the Chinese character happened to be identical to the personal name of the wife of the emperor. It was taboo in ancient China to bear a name that was the same as that of a member of a royal or imperial family. (iii) from the name of Yu Chu (喻樗) who was granted the surname Yu (喻) during the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279 AD).7: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 禹: (i) from the personal name Yu (禹) the name of the first king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) simplified form of Chinese (鄅) the name of a small state (located in present-day Shandong province). After this state was annexed during the late Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) the Chinese character Yu (鄅) was simplified to Yu (禹) and adopted as a surname.8: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 宇 meaning ‘house’ or ‘world’ in ancient Chinese: (i) borne by descendants of Shen Bo (the Earl of Shen) king of the state of Shen and uncle of King Xuan of Zhou (reigned 827–782 BC). (ii) shortened form of the compound surname Yu-Wen (宇文) a surname traced back to the Hun ethnic group in ancient northern China. (iii) traced back to the Tangut ethnic group in ancient northwestern China.9: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 郁 or 鬱 (often simplified to 郁 in Mainland China) meaning ‘luxuriant’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Yu (郁) the name of an ancient state which later became a fief in the state of Wu (located in present-day Zhejiang and Jiangsu province). (ii) possibly from the first element of Yu Li (郁立) the name of a state (located in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region) during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD). (iii) possibly from the first element of the placenames Yu Yi (郁夷) (located in Shaanxi province) Yu Zhi (郁秩) (located in Shandong province) or Yu Zhi (郁致) (located in ancient northwestern China). (iv) said to be traced back to Yu Hua (鬱華) teacher of Xia Yu the first king of Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (v) possibly evolving from another Chinese surname Yu (蔚).10: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 魚 meaning ‘fish’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of Zi Yu (子魚) style name of a prince of the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) possibly from Yu (魚) the name of an ancient state (located in Sichuan province). (iii) traced back to some minority ethnic groups in southern China.11: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 玉 meaning ‘jade’ in Chinese: (i) borne by descendants of Gong Yu Dai (公玉帶) a person who lived during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (156–87 BC) whose surname Gong Yu (公玉) was later shortened to Yu (玉). (ii) possibly from Yu Yin (玉尹 literally meaning ‘jade official’) title of an official in charge of the imperial jade seal in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).12: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 尉 (also pronounced as Wei in Mandarin see Wei 6): (i) borne by the descendants of Yu Zhi (尉止) an official in the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) shortened form of the compound surname Yu-Chi (尉遲) a surname from the Xianbei ethnic group.13: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 蔚: (i) from the placename (蔚) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shanxi province) during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD) and the Northern Zhou dynasty (557– 581 AD). (ii) possibly another written form of the Chinese surname Yu (尉).14: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 遇 meaning ‘encounter’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Yu (遇) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shandong province) said to be granted to descendants of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) a surname from the Tangut ethnic group in ancient northwestern China.15: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 茹 and 汝 see Ru 1 and 2.16: Chinese: alternative Mandarin form of the surnames 游 尤 由 and 有. Also Teochew or Hokkien form of the Chinese surnames 游 and 尤. See You 1-4.17: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 楊 see Yang 1.18: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 姚 based on its Cantonese pronunciation see Yao 1.19: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 饒 based on its Cantonese pronunciation see Rao 3.20: Korean: written 유 and 류 in Chinese characters 柳 meaning ‘willow’ 庾 meaning ‘stack of grain’ 劉 and 兪. Some sources indicate the existence of as many as 230 clans but only about twenty can be positively documented. Several of the clans are of Chinese origin. (i) The character 柳 is used by the largest Yu clan the Munhwa Yu founded by a man named Yu Ch’a Tal (柳車達). Ch’a's fifth great-grandfather had been involved in an attempt to overthrow the Shilla king. To avoid prosecution the ancestor fled to Munhwa and changed his surname first to that of his maternal grandmother Yang and then to Yu. Many years later Yu Ch’a Tal assisted Wang Kŏn to establish the Koryŏ Kingdom. Ch’a was recognized for his support and was rewarded accordingly. Ch’a's eldest son began again to use the Ch’a surname but his younger son continued to use Yu. The Munhwa Yu clan along with the Andong Kwŏn clan possesses one of the oldest extant clan genealogies in Korea. (ii) The character 庾 is borne by the descendants of Yu Kŏm-p’il (庾 黔弼) a general who fought during the founding of the Koryŏ kingdom in the early 10th century. He was enfeoffed with P’yŏngsan in Hwanghae province. Yu Kŏm-p’il’s fifth-generation descendant established the Musong Yu clan. (iii) The character 劉 is borne by the descendants of Yu Sŭng-bi (劉 承備) whose descendants established the Kangnŭng Yu clan in the 11th century. (iv) The character 兪 is borne by the descendants of Yu Sam-chae (兪 三宰) a Shilla official whose descendants settled in the Kigye area of Kyŏngsang North province. Compare Ryu Yoo 2 and You 8.
Yun : 1: Korean: written 윤 in Chinese characters 尹 meaning ‘govern’. Although some records indicate the existence of 149 clans only ten can be documented. Each descends from a different ancestor. The largest that of P’ap’yŏng descends from a man named Shin Tal. According to legend an old woman named Yun On who lived in P’ap’yŏng saw a rainbow over a lotus pond in the mountains. When she went to investigate she found a boy in a box. The boy had scales under his arm and seven dark birth marks on his body. She raised him as her own and gave him her name Yun. The oldest Yun clan that of Tamwŏn descends from a man named Shi-yŏng who lived during the reign of the Shilla King Muyŏl (654–661). Compare Yoon 1 and Youn.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 雲 from a word meaning ‘cloud’ in Chinese: (i) from Yun (鄖) the name of an ancient state (located in present-day Hubei province) which was annexed by the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). The name of the state was adopted as a surname but a different character pronounced the same was chosen as the written form. (ii) from the Die Yun (牒雲) Xi Yun (悉雲) Shi Yun (是雲) and You Lian (宥連) families of the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who acquired this surname during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iii) shortened form of Jin Yun (縉雲) said to be the name of an official post during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (iv) adopted as a Han Chinese surname by some minority ethnic groups (such as Mongolians).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surnames 員 or 貟 (another written form of 員): (i) from Yun (鄖) the name of an ancient state which was annexed by the state of Chu (see 2 (i) above). (ii) from the personal name Yun (員) personal name of Wu Zixu (559–484 BC) a famous general in the state of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) adopted as a surname by Liu Ning an official during the Song period (420 AD – 479 AD) in the Southern dynasties who changed his original surname Liu (劉) to Yun (員) in memory of his idol Wu Zixu (559–484 BC) a famous general in the state of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 惲: (i) adopted in place of another Chinese surname Yun (鄆) which was traced back to name of a fief in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from the second element of the personal name Xiong Yun (熊惲) style name of King Cheng of Chu (ruler of the state of Chu died 626 BC). (iii) from the personal name Yun (惲) personal name of Yang Yun (楊惲 died 54 BC) known as Marquis of Pingtong during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD) who was killed by Emperor Xuan of Han (91–49 AD). After his death his descendants adopted his personal name Yun (惲) as the new surname in order to escape from the feud.5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surnames 殷 尹 and 印 see Yin 1-3.6: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 溫 see Wen 1.7: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 嚴 see Yan 1.8: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 阮 see Ruan 3.9: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 楊 see Yang 1.10: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 甄 see Zhen.11: Probably also an Americanized form of Czech Jun ‘youthful agile’.
Zheng : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 鄭: from Zheng (鄭) the name of a state (located in part of present-day Shaanxi and Henan provinces) granted to You the younger brother of King Xuan of Zhou (reigned 827–782 BC). The state of Zheng was annexed by the state of Han (located in present-day Shaanxi and Henan provinces) during the Warring States period (475–221 BC).2: Mandarin form of the surname 正 meaning ‘upright just’ in Chinese: from the first element of the personal name Zheng Kao Fu (正考父) an official in the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC) who was said to be an ancestor of Confucius.
Zhou : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 周 meaning ‘surrounding’ or ‘whole’ in Chinese: (i) from Zhou (周) originally the name of a fief (located in present-day Qishan in Shaanxi Province) where Zhou Wen Wang (1152–1056 BC; ‘King Wen of Zhou’) resided. Zhou was famous for his virtue and good nature. He had eighteen sons almost all of whom received fiefdoms. He is regarded as the founder of the Western Zhou dynasty although it was in fact his son King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC) who overthrew the Shang dynasty. The Zhou dynasty lasted until 256 BC when it was annexed by the state of Qin. At that time Zhou was acquired as a surname. (ii) borne by descendants of Zhou Lie (周烈) son of King Ping of Zhou (died 720 BC) who was granted the fief Ru Nan (located in present-day Henan province). (iii) said to be borne by descendants of Zhou Chang (周昌) a general during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (iv) said to be borne by descendants of Zhou Ren (周任) an official during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (v) adopted in place of the Chinese surname Ji (姬) during the reign of the emperor Li Long Ji also known as Emperor Ming of Tang or Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (685-762 AD) because the surname Ji (姬) happened to have the same pronunciation as part of the personal name of the emperor which was taboo in ancient China. (vi) adopted as a surname by the Pu (普) and He Lu (賀魯) families from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (vii) adopted as a surname by Pu Nai Yao (also called Zhou Yao 周摇 519 - 602 AD) a general during the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581 AD). (viii) borne by descendants of Cheng Na who was endowed with the surname Zhou (周) during the Later Liang Dynasty (907–923 AD). (ix) borne by descendants of an official called Ji Zuo who was endowed with the surname Zhou (周) by Emperor Suzong of Tang (reigned 756–762 AD). (x) adopted as a Han Chinese surname by other ethnic groups in ancient China.2: variant Romanization of the surname 鄒 see Zou.
Zhu : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 朱 meaning ‘vermilion’ in Chinese: (i) from Zhu (邾) the name of an ancient state (located in Zouxian in Shandong province) granted to a noble called An by King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC). After this state was annexed by the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) the Chinese character Zhu (邾) was simplified to Zhu (朱) and adopted as a surname. (ii) said to be borne by descendants of Zhu Hu (朱虎) or Zhu Biao (朱彪) officials who lived during the reign of the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC). (iii) said to be from the second element of the personal name of Dan Zhu (丹朱) style name of a son of the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). (iv) said to be borne by descendants of Song Weizi founder of the state of Song established in around 11th century BC. (v) shortened form of the Chinese compound surname Er-Zhu (爾朱) the ancient name of a river (currently called Zhu Jia Chuan located in northwestern Shanxi province). (vi) adopted as a surname by the Ke Zhuo Hun (渴濁渾) and Ke Zhu Hun (可朱渾) families from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Mandarin form of the surname 諸 meaning ‘various’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Zhu (諸) the name of a fief (located in Zhucheng in Shandong province) in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) possibly from the second element of the personal name Wu Zhu (無諸) style name of the founder of Minyue Kingdom (202–110 BC). (iii) adopted in place of the compound surname Zhu-Ge (諸葛) by Zhu-Ge Shipeng who hid in the Kuaiji Hill after the Chen Qiao Mutiny during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907–960 AD).3: Mandarin form of the surname 祝 meaning ‘wizard prayers’ or ‘to pray’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Zhu (祝) the name of an official post in ancient China in charge of chanting prayers during religious worship. (ii) from the placename Zhu (祝) the name of a fief (located in Shandong province) during the reign of King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC).4: Mandarin form of the surname 竺: (i) from the second element of Tian Zhu (天竺) the Chinese name of the ancient Indian Empire whose immigrants in China acquired Zhu (竺) as their surname. (ii) adopted in place of another homophonous Chinese surname Zhu (竹) by Zhu Yan (竹晏) during the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD).5: Mandarin form of the surname 竹 meaning ‘bamboo’ in Chinese: (i) traced back to the state of Gu Zhu (孤竹) a small state (located in Hebei province) during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) said to be the surname of the leader of the state of Yelang (known as Marquis of Yelang) (located in present-day Guizhou province) during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD).
Source : DAFN2 : Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, ©2022 by Patrick Hanks and Oxford University Press
FANBI : The Oxford Dictionary if Family Names in Britain and Ireland, ©2016, University of the West of England
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