Origin and popularity of the name PRIOR

Origin

Prior : 1: English (southern) Scottish Dutch and German: ultimately from Latin prior ‘superior’ used to denote a prior a monastic official immediately subordinate to an abbot hence a nickname for someone thought to resemble a prior.2: Irish: Anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Mac an Phríora ‘son of the prior’ (this is the usual origin in counties Cavan and Leitrim). Some examples may be Anglo-Norman the same name as in 1 above.3: Portuguese Spanish and Catalan: from prior probably denoting someone in the service of a prior or a nickname for someone who behaved in a pompous way.

Ba : 1: West African (mainly Senegal and Mauritania): Fulani name from the Mandinka adjective ba(a) ‘big great’. Compare Bah 1 see also Balde 1.2: Muslim: abstracted as a surname from bā a dialect form of Arabic Abu ‘father’ used in compound surnames such as Bā Wazīr and Bā Ṭarafi.3: Vietnamese (Bá): from the Chinese surname 柏 see Bai 2.4: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 巴: (i) said to be borne by descendants of Fu Xi a legendary king who lived prior to the Xia dynasty (i.e. before 2070 BC). (ii) from Ba (巴) the name of an ancient state (located in Sichuan province around the city of Chongqing) which was annihilated during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) when Manchus and Mongolians came from the north to China several hundred years ago many of them adopted the surname Ba.5: Amerindian (mainly Guatemala; also Bá): Mayan name from ba(h) ‘gopher’.

Bai : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 白 meaning ‘white’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the personal name Bai Yi (白乙) style name of Bai Yi Bing (白乙丙) an official in the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from the personal name Bai (白) the name of a son of Duke Wen of Qin(the 17th ruler of the state of Qin died 716 BC). (iii) said to be borne by descendants of Bai Fu (白阜) an official during the reign of the legendary Yan Di the ‘Yan Emperor’. (iv) said to be borne by descendants of a legendary king Bai Xu Shi (白胥氏) who lived prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (v) from the placename Bai (白) the name of a fief (located in Henan province) that was granted to Sheng (also known as Bai Gong Sheng (白公勝) or Duke of Bai) son of King Hui of Chu (died 432 BC). (vi) from the placename Bai Zhou (白州) (located in Bobai in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region) during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD). (vii) traced back to several minority ethnic groups in ancient China.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 柏 meaning ‘cypress’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of the legendary king Bai Huang Shi (柏皇氏) who lived prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from Bai (柏) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). After it was annexed by the state of Chu the name of the state was adopted as a surname.3: Korean: variant of Pae.4: Vietnamese: unexplained.

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).

Baptiste : French and West Indian (mainly Haiti): from the personal name Baptiste derived from Latin Baptista ‘baptist’ the distinguishing epithet of Saint John the Baptist who baptized people including Jesus Christ in the river Jordan (Mark 1:9). The Latin name is from Greek baptistēs literally ‘one who washes’ (from baptisma ‘the act of washing’). For Christians baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin prior to admission to the Church. This surname is also found in England mainly as a surname of Huguenot origin. Compare Baptist Batiste and Battiste and also Portuguese and Spanish Baptista and Batista Italian Battista.

Brightwell : English: habitational name from any of various places for example in Berkshire Oxfordshire and Suffolk named Brightwell from Old English beorht ‘bright clear’ + well(a) ‘spring stream’. Perhaps also from Britwell in Burnham (Buckinghamshire) or Britwell Prior or Britwell Salome (both Oxfordshire).

Del Priore : Italian: literally ‘of or belonging to the prior’ (see Priore) hence a name denoting someone in the service of a prior the son of a prior or the son of someone dubbed ‘The Prior’.

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.

Gan : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 甘 meaning ‘sweet pleasant’ in Chinese: (i) from the personal name of Gan Pan (甘盤) a high official during the reign of King Wu Ding (died 1192 BC) in the Shang dynasty. (ii) from Gan (甘) the name of an ancient state (located in present-day Shaanxi province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (iii) from Gan (甘) the name of a fief (located in present-day Luoyang in Henan province) granted to Dai who was known as Gan Zhao Gong (甘昭公 Duke Zhao of Gan) son of King Xiang of Zhou (died 619 BC).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 干 meaning ‘shield’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the personal name of Gan Chou (干犨) an official in the state of Song (located in present-day Shangqiu in Henan province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from the placename Gan (邗) the name of a fief (located in present-day Yangzhou in Jiangsu province) that was granted to the son of King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC). When the placename was adopted as a surname people simplified the Chinese character 邗 to 干 which has the same pronunciation. (iii) from the placename Gan Sui (干隧) (located in present-day Wuxian in Jiangsu province). (iv) from the He Gan (紇干) family of the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who changed their original surname to 干 during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (v) from the compound surname Gan-Lei (干類) said to be originally the name of an ancient state (unknown location) prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).3: Chinese: alternative Cantonese form of the surname 簡 see Jian 1.4: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 嚴 and 顏 possibly based on their Hokkien pronunciations see Yan 1 and 4.5: Filipino: of Chinese origin variant Romanization of the surname 嚴 (see 4 above).6: Irish: from Mag Gana see McGann.

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).

Huai : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 懷 meaning ‘miss yearn for’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of the legendary king Wu Huai Shi (無懷氏) who lived prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) possibly from the placename Huai (懷) the name of a fief (located in Henan province) originally granted to Tang Shu Yu (Shu Yu of Tang) son of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). (iii) possibly from Huai (懷) the posthumous title of Chu Huai Wang (楚懷王 King Huai of Chu ruler of the state of Chu died 296 BC). (iv) possibly adopted in place of another Chinese surname Wei (隗). (v) possibly traced back to Song Weizi the founder of the state of Song.2: Mandarin form of the surname 淮: (i) said to be traced back to Shi Huai Fu (师淮父) a figure during the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC). (ii) from Huai (淮) the name of a river (also known as Huai River located in present-day Anhui province).

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).

Jiao : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 焦 meaning ‘scorched’ or ‘anxious’ in Chinese: (i) from Jiao (焦) the name of a state (located in Shanxian in Henan province) granted by King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC) to descendants of Shennong a legendary ruler of China prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). It was said that this state was annexed by the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) surname from one of the minority ethnic groups in ancient southern China.2: Mandarin form of the surname 矯 meaning ‘strong’ in Chinese: from the first element of the personal name Jiao Fu (矯父) style name of an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).

Lei : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 雷 meaning ‘thunder’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of Fang Lei (方雷) the name of an ancient state prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). The state is said to have been named for Fang Lei Shi son of the legendary king Yu Wang (traditional dates: 4561–4494 BC) associated with a fief called Fangshan (perhaps in present-day Yuzhou or Songshan in Henan province). Some of the people from the state acquired 雷 as their surname while others acquired 方 (Fang) as their surname. (ii) said to be traced back to Lei Gong (雷公) a famous doctor during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the Yellow Emperor (c. 27th century BC).2: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 李 and 利 see Li 1 and 3.3: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 呂 see Lu 6.4: Dutch: nickname for a lazy person from Middle Dutch lei ‘lazy’.

Lie : 1: Norwegian: variant of Li 11 a habitational name from any of numerous farmsteads named Li from Old Norse hlíth ‘mountain slope hillside’. In Norway this is the most frequent spelling.2: German: unexplained.3: Korean: variant of Lee 10 itself a variant of Yi 1.4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 列: (i) shortened form of the compound surname Lie-Shan (烈山) said to be the original living place of the legendary figure Shen Nong prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) shortened form of the compound surname Lie-Zong (烈宗) traced back to the nobles in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surnames 李 (mainly found in Indonesia) and 黎 see Li 1 and 2.6: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 賴 see Lai 1.

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.

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’.

Mi : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 米 which means ‘rice’: (i) 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 Mi (米) in Chinese (located in present-day Uzbekistan). Between 649 and 655 AD these states submitted to the Emperor Gaozong of Tang (628–683 AD). Immigrants from the state of Mi to China acquired the surname 米. (ii) for some families the surname is borne by descendants of Mi Fu (米芾) an artist in the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127 AD) who claimed he was a descendant from the royal families of the state of Chu in the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) and changed his original surname 芈 to 米 a different Chinese character with the same pronunciation.2: Mandarin form of the surname 宓 (also pronounced as Fu in Mandarin): (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 traced back to Mi Kang Gong (密康公 also written as 宓康公 Duke Kang of Mi died 922 BC) ruler of the state of Mi during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 密 meaning ‘secret’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of Mi Xu (密須) the name of an ancient state (located in present-day Gansu province) during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) from Mi (密) the name of a state (originally located in present-day Gansu province later moved to Mixian in present-day Henan province) during the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC). (iii) from the placename Mi (密) the name of two fiefs (located in Shandong province) in the state of Lu and the state of Ju respectively. (iv) a surname from the Tangut ethnic group in northwestern China.4: Mandarin form of the surname 秘 (also pronounced as Bi or Bei in Mandarin) see Bi 3.

Moorshead : 1: from Moors Head in Dean Prior (Devon). The place-name derives from Old English mōr ‘moor’ (genitive mōres) + hēafod ‘head the top of something’. 2: either topographic from Middle English more ‘moor marsh fen’ + side ‘side edge’ or toponymic from any of numerous minor places so called such as Moorside in Follifoot (WR Yorks) and Moreside in Papcastle (Cumb).

Prieur : French: from prieur Old French prior ‘prior’ a monastic official immediately subordinate to an abbot (from Latin prior ‘superior’) hence an occupational name for a servant of a prior or an ironic nickname.

Prioleau : French: from a diminutive of regional French priol ‘prior’ applied as a metonymic occupational name for a servant of a prior or as an ironic nickname for someone thought to resemble a prior.

Priolo : Italian:: 1: (southern Calabria and Sicily): from priòlu southern Italian derivative of Greek priolos ‘prior; lay authority’ (itself a derivative of Latin prior) applied as a nickname for someone thought to resemble a prior or as a metonymic occupational name for a servant of a prior or some important lay personage. Compare Priore.2: habitational name from Priolo Gargallo in Siracusa province Sicily.

Priore : Italian: from priore ‘prior’ a nickname or occupational name which probably most often originated as a metonymic occupational name for a servant of a prior or some important lay dignitary. Compare Priolo.

Schwing : German:: 1: metonymic occupational name for someone whose job was to swingle flax i.e. to beat the flax with a swingle in order to remove the woody parts of the plant prior to spinning from Middle High German swinge ‘swingle’. This surname is also found in France (Alsace and Lorraine).2: habitational name from any of the places called Schwinge (near Stade and in Pomerania) or Schwingen (Bavaria). Compare Swing.

Sha : 1: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 沙 meaning ‘sand’ in Chinese: (i) from Sha (沙) the name of an ancient state (located in Hebei province). (ii) from the placename Sha (沙) the name of a fief (located in Henan province) granted to descendants of Song Weizi the founder of the state of Song during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (iii) shortened form of the compound surnames Sha Sui (沙隨) and Gong Sha (公沙) both of which can be traced back to the ancient state of Sha Sui (沙隨) (located in Henan province) during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC) which was annexed by the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) said to be borne by descendants of the Su Sha (夙沙) family an ancient family which was already established prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (v) one of the major surnames of the state of Bai Ji (located in present-day Korean Peninsula).2: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 謝 see Xie 1.3: Indian Bangladeshi and Pakistani: variant of Shah.4: Burmese (Karen): from a rare variant of the personal name Sar ‘star’.

Shen : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 沈: (i) from Shen (沈) the name of an ancient state (possibly located in present-day Shanxi province) prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from the placename Shen (沈) the name of a fief (located in Pingyu in present-day Henan province) granted to Ji Zai also known as Dan Shu the tenth son of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). After the state was annexed by the state of Cai in 506 BC people kept the name of the fiefdom as their surname. (iii) from Shen Lu (沈鹿) the name of a fief (located in Hubei province) granted to Zhen son of King Zhuang of Chu (ruler of the state of Chu died 591 BC). His descendants adopted part of the name of the fiefdom 沈 as their surname.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 申 meaning ‘state explain’ in Chinese: (i) from Shen (申) an ancient state (located in Ningxia and Shaanxi provinces) also known as West Shen. After it was annexed by the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) some people used the name of the state as their surname. (ii) from Shen (申) the name of a state (located in Nanyang in Henan province) also known as Southern Shen granted to Shen Bo (申伯 the Earl of Shen) uncle of King Xuan of Zhou (reigned 827–782 BC). After the state was annexed by the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) people kept the name of the state as their surname. (iii) from the placename Shen (申) the name of a fief (located in Nanyang in Henan province) granted to Shen Shu an official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) from the placename Shen (申) the name of a fief (located in Xiangcheng in Henan province) granted to Shen Hou (Marquis of Shen) 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).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 慎 meaning ‘prudent’ in Chinese: (i) from placename Shen (慎) the name of a fief (located in present-day Anhui province) granted to Bai Gong Sheng (Duke of Bai) a noble in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from the first element of the personal name Shen Zhi (慎之) style name of Qin Huali student of the famous philosopher Mozi (or known as Micius) during the Warring States period (475–221 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 莘 see Xin 1 (i).5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 孫 see Sun 1.6: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 陳 also another Mandarin form of the surname 諶 see Chen 1 and 2.7: Jewish (Ashkenazic): variant of Schoen.

Shipway : English (mainly Gloucestershire and Wiltshire): habitational name from any of several minor places called with Old English scēap ‘sheep’ + weg ‘way’ for example Sharpway Gate in Stoke Prior (Worcestershire).

Shun : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 舜: (i) said to be traced back to Emperor Shun (舜 c. 23rd century BC) a legendary ruler prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from the first element of the personal name Shun Hua (舜华) a talented official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).2: Mandarin form of the surname 順 of unexplained etymology. Also a surname from minority ethnic groups in southern China and Taiwan.3: variant Romanization of the surname 孫 see Sun 1.4: possibly from Cantonese form of some Chinese names 順 信 迅 遜 純 or 淳 which were monosyllabic personal names or part of disyllabic personal names of some early Chinese immigrants in the US.

Simpson : 1: Scottish (Lanarkshire) and English: patronymic from the Middle English and Older Scots personal name Sim(m) Sime (see Sim) + -son.2: English: occasionally a variant of Sumsion with unrounding of the vowel before the nasal consonant a dialect feature of southwestern England.3: English: habitational name from any of the three places called Simpson or one called Zemson all in Devon. The one in Holsworthy parish derives from an uncertain first element + Old English tūn ‘farmstead estate’ while the one in Diptford comes from the Old English personal name Sigewine (genitive Sigewines) + Old English tūn. Both the one in Torbryan and Zempson in Dean Prior probably also have the same origin as the Diptford placename.

Skardon : from Skerraton in Dean Prior (Devon) which is recorded as Siredona in 1086 Scyredun in 1212 Skiredon in 1228 Shyradon in 1425 and Skeredon in 1466. The place-name probably derives from Old English scīr ‘bright’ (with variation between initial [ʃ] and [sk] typical of Devon) + dūn ‘hill’.

Smallcombe : from various places named with Old English smæl ‘narrow’ + cumb ‘valley’ including Smallcombe in Dean Prior (Devon) Smallcombe in Bathwick (Somerset) Smallacombe in Lifton (Devon) and Smallacombe Farm in Dawlish (Devon).

Song : 1: Korean: written 송 in Chinese characters 宋 denoting the Song kingdom. There are actually two Chinese characters for this surname covering sixteen clans. The smaller clan is the only clan to use another one of the two Chinese characters and it has only one or two households. The remaining clans all descend from a common ancestor Song Chu-ŭn (宋 株殷) who seems to have migrated from Tang China to Korea sometime during the Shilla period. Sixty percent of the Songs live in southern Korea.2: Korean (Sŏng): written 성 in Chinese characters 成 meaning ‘success’. There are actually two Chinese characters for the surname Sŏng but one of them is registered for just a single household. Only the common Sŏng clan the Ch’angnyŏng clan is treated here. This was founded by Sŏng In-bo (成 仁輔) just prior to the establishment of the Koryŏ kingdom in 918. According to legend Sŏng In-bo died in Seoul. His son set out to transport his father's body back to Ch’angnyŏng but the weather being poor he decided to stop for the night and finish the journey in the morning. When he awoke he discovered that his father's body was missing. Upon investigation he found that a tiger had dragged the body to a secluded grave site in the mountains near Ch’angnyŏng. It was there that the son buried his father and established his home. Many of the members of the Sŏng clan today live in the Ch’angnyŏng area of Kyŏngsang province. Compare Sung 5.3: Chinese: Mandarin form and Cantonese variant of the surname 宋: (i) from Song (宋) the name of a state (located in Shangqiu in Henan province) granted to Wei Ziqi by King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC). After the state was annexed by the state of Qi (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) in 286 BC some descendants of the royal family from the state adopted 宋 the name of the state as their surname. (ii) said to be traced back to the personal name Song (宋) personal name of a prince in the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 松 meaning ‘pine tree’ in Chinese: It was said that Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC) the first emperor of the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC) once took shelter from the rain under a giant pine tree on his way back to the palace after a ceremony. He later honored the tree and the local residents nearby adopted Song (松) as a surname.5: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 桑 see Sang 4.6: Chinese: Hakka form of the surname 常 see Chang 1.7: Southeast Asian (Hmong): variant of Xiong 2.8: Cambodian: written សុង of Chinese origin but unexplained etymology (probably corresponding to one of the surnames above). The surname សុង also corresponds to the archaic Khmer word meaning ‘(to be) black as night’.

Tai : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 邰: (i) from the placename Tai (邰) the name of a fief (located in Wugong in Shaanxi province) granted to Hou Ji an official during the reign of the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). (ii) complicated form of the Chinese character Tai (台) the name of a place (located in Shandong province) in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) adopted as a surname by the Da Li Ji (大利稽) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Mandarin form of the surname 臺 (or 台): (i) said to be traced back to Tai Tai (臺駘 or 台駘) descendants of a legendary king prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC); (ii) said to be from the placename Tai (台) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shangdong province) in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 戴 see Dai 1.4: alternative Mandarin form of the surname 代 see Dai 2.5: variant Romanization of the surname 載 see Tsai 1.6: variant Romanization of the surname 鄭 see Zheng 1.

Teasel : probably a variant of Tassell or Titshall.perhaps from Middle English tesel ‘teasel’ (Old English tǣsel) for someone who used dried teasel heads to finish cloth or to card wool prior to spinning. Compare Tesler.

Teggin : from a derivative of Welsh teg ‘fair handsome beautiful’ with the suffix -yn. Compare Teague.from the medieval cantref of Tegeingl (alias Englefield) the part of Flints which lies broadly between the rivers Clwyd Dee and Wepre Brook. The region takes its name from the Deceangli a British tribe who lived in the area prior to the Roman invasion of Britain.

Tessler : 1: Jewish (Ashkenazic): occupational name from Yiddish tesler ‘carpenter’. Compare Tesler.2: German: variant of Teschner.3: English: Middle English teselere an agent derivative of tesel ‘teasel’ (Old English tǣsel) hence an occupational name for someone who used dried teasel heads (a type of thistle) to finish cloth or to card wool prior to spinning. This surname is rare in Britain and Ireland.

Wan : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 萬 which means ‘ten thousand’ literally or ‘very great number’ figuratively: (i) from the personal name of Bi Wan (畢萬) an official in the state of Jin (located in present-day Shanxi province). He was said to be a descendant of Bi Gong Gao (known as Duke of Bi) the 15th son of the virtuous King Wen of Zhou (reined 1152–1056 BC). Bi Wan was later granted the fiefdom of Wei (魏) which in 403 BC became the state of Wei (located in present-day Shanxi Shaanxi Henan and Hebei provinces). Some of his descendants adopted Wei (魏) as their surname while others inherited 萬 (Wan) his personal name as their surname. (ii) from the personal name Wan (萬) style name of Rui Bo (芮伯 the Earl of Rui) an official of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC) who was granted the fief Rui (located in Ruicheng in Shaanxi province). Some of his descendants inherited Rui (芮) the name of the fief as their surname while others inherited 萬 (Wan) his style name as their surname. (iii) from the placename Wan (萬) the name of a fief (located in Juxian in Shandong province) granted during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) to an official in the ancient state of Chu. (iv) from the first element of the name of the Wan Si (萬俟) family who lived in the downstream areas of the Yellow River during the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577 AD). (v) from the second element of the name of the Tu Wan (吐萬) family who are members of the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 完 meaning ‘complete’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by the descendants of Huan Zhui a grandson of the Duke Huan of Song (ruler of the state of Song died 651 BC). (ii) from Wan (完) the name of Qu Wan (屈完) an official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). (iii) shortened form of the compound surname Wan-Yan (完顔) a surname from minority ethnic groups such as Juchen ethnic group in ancient northern China.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 宛 meaning ‘tortuous’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Wan Hua (宛華) and Wan Qu (宛朐) two legendary figures prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from the placename Wan (宛) the name of a fief (located in present-day Henan province) in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). Also this surname had been recorded in the state of Qi Jin and Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 尹 see Yin 2.5: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 溫 see Wen 1.6: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 雲 and 惲 see Yun 2 and 5.7: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 宦 see Huan 1.8: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 袁 see Yuan 1.9: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 阮 see Ruan 3.10: Vietnamese: possibly a variant of Van.11: Scottish: variant of Wann.

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.

Xi : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 奚 meaning ‘slave’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the first element of Xi Zhong (奚仲) style name of an official on whom the title Che Zheng (車正) ‘carriage officer’ was bestowed by Xia Yu the first king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) because of his contribution to making carriages. (ii) adopted as a surname by the Tuo Ba (拓跋) Bo Xi (薄奚) and Da Xi (達奚) families from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Mandarin form of the surname 席 meaning ‘mat’ in Chinese: (i) said to be from the name of a person who lived during the reign of the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). (ii) adopted in place of the Chinese surname Ji (籍) because it happened to coincide with the personal name of Xiang Yu (232 BC–202 BC) also known as “Hegemon King of Western Chu”. It was taboo in ancient China to bear a surname that coincided with the name of a member of a royal family.3: Mandarin form of the surname 習 meaning ‘habit’ in Chinese: (i) from Xi (習) the name of an ancient state (unknown location and time). (i) from the second element of the placename Shao Xi (少習) (located in present-day Shaanxi province).4: Mandarin form of the surnames 郤 and 郄: from Xi (郤) or (郄) the name of a fief (located in present-day Henan province) granted to an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).5: Mandarin form of the surname 郗: (i) from Xi (郗 pronounced as Chi in the ancient times) the name of a fief (located in present-day Henan province) in the state of Su granted to a son of Su Fensheng an official during the early Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) probably a mistakenly written form of another Chinese surname Xi (郄).6: Mandarin form of the surname 西 meaning ‘west’ in Chinese: (i) from Xi (西) the name of an ancient state prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) adopted as the shortened form of the compound surname Xi-Men (西門 literally meaning ‘west gate’) by descendants of Xi-Men Bao (西门豹) an official in the state of Wei during Warring States Period (475–221 BC).

Xin : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 辛 meaning ‘hot and spicy’ or ‘suffering’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Shen (莘) the name of a fief (originally located in Heyang in Shaanxi province later moved to Chenliu in Henan province during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC)) granted to descendants of Qi the second king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). When the name of the fiefdom was adopted as a surname the written form of the Chinese character was simplified to 辛 which was pronounced the same as 莘 in ancient Chinese. (ii) said to be traced back to Gao Xin Shi (高辛氏) the title of the legendary king Di Ku (or Emperor Ku) who lived prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).2: Mandarin form of the surname 信 meaning ‘believe’ in Chinese: from the first element of Xin Ling (信陵) title of Wuji (died 243 BC) prince of the state of Wei known as one of the Four Lords of Warring States Period (475–221 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 忻 possibly traced back to Xin Du (忻都) a name appearing during the Yuan dynasty (1206–1368 AD) but the exact bearers of this name were unknown.

Yi : 1: Korean: written 이 in Chinese characters 李 meaning ‘plum’. There are actually three Chinese characters for the surname Yi but two of the three are quite rare and one of these is not found outside North Korea. This is the second most common surname in Korea comprising c. 16 percent of the total population. It is found in every part of the country. Although some sources indicate that there are as many as 546 different Yi clans only c. 100 have been documented. The founder of the oldest clan the Kyŏngju Yi was named Yi Al-p’yŏng (李 謁平) and lived in AD 32. He was one of the six original governors of pre-Shilla Korea. Aside from a few other Yi families that originated from the Kyŏngju Yi clan most of the other 100 or so clans were formed at the end of the Koryŏ or beginning of the Chosŏn periods. Some Korean Yi families trace their origins back to China. The founder of the Chosŏn Kingdom or Yi Dynasty Yi Sŏng-gye (李 成桂) was a member of the Yi clan from Chŏnju. This clan ruled the Korean peninsula from 1392 to 1910. Compare Lee 10 Ri 2 and Yee 6.2: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 伊 meaning ‘he or she’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the personal name Yi Yin (伊尹) a famous official who made great contributions to the establishment of the Shang dynasty (1600 –1046 BC). It is said that he lived along a river named Yi Shui (伊水) (located in Henan province) and thus acquired the surname Yi (伊). (ii) adopted as a surname by the Yi Lou (伊婁) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 易 meaning ‘amiable’ or ‘easy’ in Chinese: (i) possibly from Yi (易) the name of a river (located in Hebei province). (ii) from the first element of the personal name Yi Ya (易牙) also known as Yong Wu an official in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) who was famous for his good cooking. (iii) from the first element of the placename Yi Zhou (易州) (located in Yixian in Hebei province).4: Chinese: Mandarin and Cantonese form of the surname 衣 (meaning ‘clothes’ in Chinese) or possibly a mispronounced form of the Chinese surname 殷. See Yin 1.5: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 弋 meaning ‘small wooden piles’ in Chinese: from the placename Yi (弋) the name of a fief (located in present-day Henan province) granted to descendants of the first king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).6: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 蟻 literally meaning ‘ants’ in Chinese: (i) said to be from another surname 蛾 (homophonous to 蟻 in ancient Chinese meaning ‘moth’) which may be derived from E/Yi Xi (蛾析) the personal name of an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) possibly a surname from the aboriginals in southern Fujian.7: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 益 meaning ‘benefit’ in Chinese: (i) possibly traced back to Bo Yi (伯益) said to be the author of Shan Hai Jing (or Classic of Mountains and Seas). (ii) from the placename Yi Du (益都) the name of a county (located in Shandong province). (iii) from the placename Yi Zhou (益州) the name of a town (located in Chengdu in Sichuan province).8: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 義 meaning ‘justice’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Yi Bo (義伯) an official during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC) who wrote an essay entitled Dian Bao co-authored with Zhong Bo. (ii) from the first element of Yi Qu (義渠) the name of an ancient state (located in present-day Gansu province) established by a nomadic ethnic group in northwestern China annexed by the state of Qin in 272 BC.9: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 羿 meaning ‘(of bird) going up to the sky with unfolded wings’: from the personal name Yi (羿) or Hou Yi (後羿) the name of a legendary archer prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC) or name of the leader of the clan of Youqiong (possibly located in present-day Henan province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).10: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 儀 meaning ‘ceremony’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Yi Di (儀狄) an official during the reign of the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC). (ii) borne by the descendants of an official in the state of Wey (衛) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) who was said to be granted with a fief named Yi (儀). (iii) said to be derived from a post-name Si-Yi (司儀) (akin to the master of ceremonies) in the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC). (iv) said to be borne by the descendants of Zhu Yi Fu (邾儀父) the tenth king of the state of Zhu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (v) said to be adopted in place of another surname of Chen (陳) by some people.11: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 乙 meaning ‘second’ in Chinese: (i) from Tian Yi (天乙) style name of Tang the first king of the Shang dynasty (1600 –1046 BC). (ii) adopted as a surname by the Yi Fu (乙弗) family in the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iii) borne by descendants of Gesi Qiyi an official in the state of Balhae (located in present-day northeastern China) who was endowed with the surname Yi (乙) by Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang (867–933 AD).12: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 裔 meaning ‘descendants’ in Chinese: unexplained possibly traced back to Yi Kuan (裔款) who lived in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).13: Chinese: Hokkien or Hakka form of the Chinese surnames 余 see Yu 1.

You : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 游 meaning ‘section of a river’ or ‘to swim’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of the personal name Zi You (子游) style name of Yan son of the Duke Mu of Zheng (ruler of the state of Zheng 648–606 BC). (ii) borne by descendants of Cheng Shi also known as Huan Shu of Quwo (802–731 BC) younger brother of the Marquis Wen of Jin (ruler of the state of Jin 805–746 BC).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 尤 meaning ‘outstanding’ in ancient Chinese: (i) possibly from You (尤) the name of a river (located in present-day Shandong province) in the state of Qi. (ii) adopted in place of the Chinese surname Shen (沈) by people in Fujian during the reign of the Min emperor Wang Shen Zhi (王審知) (862–925 AD) who established the Min Kingdom during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907–960 AD) because the surname Shen (沈) shared the same pronunciation of Shen (審) part of the personal name of the emperor which was taboo in ancient China.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 由 meaning ‘sprout’ or ‘reason’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the first 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 the first element of the personal name You Yu (由于) the name of a revered man in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) known for his loyalty and bravery. (iii) said to be traced back to Yang You Ji (養由基) an official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 有 meaning ‘have’ in Chinese: (i) from You (有) the name of an ancient state (possibly located in Hennan province) during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) said to be traced back to You Chao Shi (有巢氏) a legendary leader prior to the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surnames 邱 and 丘. See Qiu 1 and 2.6: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 姚 see Yao 1.7: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 楊 see Yang 1.8: Korean: variant of Yu 20.

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