Origin
Yin : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 殷 meaning ‘plentiful’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Yin (殷) the name of the capital (located in present-day Henan province) of the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). Pan Geng the 19th king of the Shang dynasty moved the original capital Yan (located in present-day Shandong province) to Yin. Thus the Shang dynasty was also known as the Yin dynasty. After the Shang dynasty was overthrown by King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC) people kept the name of the state as their surname. (ii) from Yin Shui (殷水 ‘River Yin’) the name of a river in Shangshui in Henan Province. People who lived along the river acquired 殷 (Yin) the name of the river as their surname.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 尹 a term for the official title in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Yin (尹) the name of a fief (said to have been located in Shexian in Shanxi province or Xin’an in Henan province) which was granted to Yin the son of the legendary king Shao Hao (c. 26th century BC). (ii) from the personal name of Shi Yin (師尹) literally meaning ‘head of officers’ the name of an official post during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (iii) from the second element of Ling Yin (令尹) the name of an official post in charge of the military in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). This post was held by a prince of the state of Shen called Cheng who migrated to the state of Chu when he took up the post.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 印 meaning ‘seal stamp’ or ‘print’ in Chinese: from Zi Yin (子印) style name of Lun son of the Duke Mu of Zheng (ruler of the state of Zheng 648–606 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 陰 referring to ‘yin’ in Chinese philosophy: (i) from the personal name of Yin Jing (陰兢) an official in the late Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) from the placename Yin (陰) the name of a fief (located in present-day Henan province) during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (iii) from Yin Dafu (陰大夫 ‘Yin Counsellor’) a title given to Guan Xiu a descendant of Guan Zhong (a famous official in the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC)). Guan Xiu was born in the state of Qi and went to the state of Chu where he was given the title Yin Dafu.5: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 銀 meaning ‘silver’ in Chinese: (i) from the name of Wan-Yan Yinshu (完顏銀術) a famous governor of a district (in present-day Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) during the Jin dynasty (1115–1234 AD). (ii) the surname is also traced back to minority ethnic groups in China.6: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 鄞: from Yin (鄞) the name of an ancient fief (located in present-day Zhejiang province).7: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 言 燕 鄢 and 彦 see Yan 6-9. Also variant Romanization of the surname 嚴 see Yan 1.8: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 袁 see Yuan 1.9: Burmese: from a personal name usually forming part of a compound name from yin ‘gentle charming’. — Note: Since Burmese do not have hereditary surnames this name was registered as such only after immigration of its bearers to the US.10: Cambodian: written យិន of Chinese origin (probably corresponding to one of the surnames above).
Dai : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 戴 meaning ‘respect support’ in Chinese: (i) from Dai (戴) the posthumous title of Duke Dai of Song (ruler of the state of Song reigned 799–766 BC). (ii) from Dai (戴) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province). After it was annexed by the state of Zheng in 713 BC the name of the state was adopted as a surname. (iii) adopted in place of another Chinese surname Yin (殷) because they shared a similar meaning ‘deep feeling’ in ancient Chinese.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 代 meaning ‘historical periods’ in Chinese: (i) from Dai (代) the name of an ancient state (located in Hebei province). After it was annexed by the state of Zhao during the Warring States period (475–221 BC) the name of the state was adopted as a surname. (ii) traced back to the Dai (代) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China.3: Vietnamese (Đái): from the Chinese surname 戴 see 1 above.
Fang : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 方 meaning ‘square’ in Chinese: (i) from Fang (方) the name of a hill which according to legend was a fief (thought to be in present-day Yuzhou or Songshan in Henan province) granted to Lei (known as Fang Lei Shi 方雷氏) son of the legendary king Yu Wang (traditional dates: 4561–4494 BC). (ii) from the first element of the personal name Fang Shu (方叔) style name of an official during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 房 meaning ‘house’ in Chinese: (i) from the placename Fang (房) the name of a fief (located in present-day Suiping in Henan province) granted to Danzhu son of the legendary Emperor Yao (c. 24th century BC). (ii) adopted as a surname by the Wu Yin (屋引) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD).3: Southeast Asian (Hmong): from the name of the Fang clan of the Hmong people in Laos China and Vietnam; in Chinese characters it is written 黃 (see Huang).4: German: from Middle High German vanc ‘catch enclosure’ hence a topographic name for someone who lived by an enclosed plot of land a hunting ground a place where traps were set (for game or fish) or a pit; or a byname meaning ‘the catch’ for a foreigner who had been forced into bondage.
Guan : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 關 meaning ‘forts’ in ancient Chinese: (i) borne by descendants of Guan Long Feng (關龍逢) an official who lived during the reign of Xia Jie the last king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) from the first element of the post name Guan Ling Yin (關令尹) or Guan Yin (關尹) said to have been held by a man called Xi who was in charge of garrisoning forts during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC).2: Mandarin form of the surname 管 meaning ‘manage administer’ in Chinese: (i) from Guan (管) the name of a state (located in Zhengzhou in Henan province) which was granted to Guan Shu Xian (管叔鮮) the third son of the virtuous King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). Guan Shu Xian was later killed because he participated in a rebellion against the king. The name of state was subsequently adopted as a surname. (ii) borne by descendants of Guan Zhong (管仲) also called Guan Yiwu (管夷吾) a famous politician in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 官 meaning ‘official’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the post name Guan Shi (官師) head of officials hosted by Duke Ding of Liu an official during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) borne by the Guan Zu (官族) i.e. descendants of those officials who had made such great contributions to the state that their granted fiefs and titles would be kept forever.4: Mandarin form of the surname 灌 meaning 'irrigate' in Chinese: from the second element of Chen Guan (斟灌) the name of an ancient state (located in present-day Shangdong province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).5: variant Romanization of the surname 阮 see Ruan 3.6: Teochew or Hokkien form of the surname 顏 see Yan 4.7: variant Romanization of the surname 袁 see Yuan 1.
Heng : 1: Cambodian: written ហេង from a Khmer word meaning e.g. ‘successful’ which is of Chinese origin. ហេង is also the Khmer spelling of a Chinese surname most likely 幸 which has similar meaning (see Xing 3 compare 4 below).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 衡 meaning ‘balance’ in Chinese: (i) from E Heng (阿衡) an honorary official title of Yi Yin (died c. 1549 BC) prime minister during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) from the second element of the personal name Zi Heng (子衡) style name of a prince of the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) borne by the descendants of the royal families in the state of Chen during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) adopted as a new surname by the descendants of Yuan Shao (died 202 AD) a famous general who was defeated by Cao Cao (155–220 AD). Some of his descendants later fled to Mount Heng (衡山) (located in Hunan province) and adopted the name of the mountain as their new surname.3: Chinese: Teochew form of the surname 王 see Wang 1. The dialect is found in eastern Guangdong province from where people migrated to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand Singapore and Malaysia.4: Chinese: Hokkien Taiwanese and Teochew form of the surnames 邢 and 幸 see Xing 1 and 3.5: German: from a short form of the personal name Heinrich. Compare Henk.
Hou : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 侯 a title approximately equivalent to ‘marquis’: (i) borne by descendants of Jin Ai Hou (晉哀侯 Marquis Ai of Jin ruler of the state of Jin reigned 717–709 BC) and Jin Min Hou (晉湣侯 Marquis Min of Jin another ruler of the state of Jin died 679 BC) both of whom were killed by Duke Wu of Jin (also known as Duke Wu of Quwo 754–677 BC) who later became a new ruler of the state of Jin. Their descendants fled to other states and adopted the name of the peerage rank as their surname. (ii) from the placename Hou (侯) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shaanxi province) granted to descendants of Xia Yu the first king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (iii) from Hou (侯) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province) during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (iv) borne by descendants of Hou Xuan Duo (侯宣多) and Hou Yu (侯羽) officials in the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (v) adopted as a surname by families from minority ethnic groups in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD) including the families of Hu Gu Kou Yin (胡古口引) Hou Nu (侯奴) Ke Hou (渴侯) Gu Yin (古引) and Si Fu Hou (俟伏侯).2: Mandarin form of the surname 后 meaning ‘empress queen’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the title Hou Tu (后土) borne by Gou Long an official in charge of lands during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) simplified form of the placename Hou (郈 also written as 厚) the name of a fief (located in present-day Shandong province) granted to Gong son of the Duke Xiao of Lu (ruler of the state of Lu died 769 BC). (iii) borne by descendants of Hou Zang (后臧) younger brother of Ye Gong (Duke of Ye c. 550–470 BC) a noble in the state of Chu. (iv) borne by descendants of Yin an official historiographer in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) who was endowed with the surname Hou (后 meaning ‘wife of the king’) because Yin's daughter became the wife of King Xiang of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died in 265 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 後 meaning ‘back’ in Chinese: said to be borne by descendants of Hou Zhao (後照) a grandson of the legendary king Tai Hao who lived even before the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC).4: Mandarin form of the surname 厚 meaning ‘thick’ in Chinese: from Hou (厚) the name of a fief (located in present-day Jiangsu province) in the state of Lu granted to Hou Ji (厚瘠) also known as Hou Cheng Shu (厚成叔) an official in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).5: variant Romanization of the surname 霍 see Huo 1.6: variant Romanization of the surname 緱 see Gou 3.
Ji : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 紀 meaning ‘record’ or ‘era’ in Chinese: (i) from Ji (紀) the name of an ancient state (located in Shouguang in Shandong province) granted to descendants of the legendary Yan Di the Yan Emperor. After the state was annexed by the state of Qi in 550 BC the name of the state was adopted as a surname. (ii) adopted in place of another Chinese surname Shu (舒) during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD).2: Mandarin form of the surname 季 meaning ‘youngest son’ in ancient Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of Ji Lian (季連) the youngest son of Lu Zhong a descendant of the legendary king Zhuanxu (traditional dates: 2514–2437 BC). (ii) said to be borne by descendants of Ji You (季友) the youngest son of the Duke Huan of Lu (the 15th ruler of the state of Lu died 694 BC).3: Mandarin form of the surname 冀 meaning ‘hope’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Ji (冀) the name of an ancient state (located in Shanxi province). After it was annexed by the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) the name of the state was adopted as a surname. (ii) from the placename Ji (冀) the name of a fief (located in Shanxi province) granted to Xi Rui an official in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Mandarin form of the surname 姬 a complimentary term for ‘women’ in ancient Chinese: said to be the original surname of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC) perhaps from the name of a river called Ji Shui (姬水). This was also the surname of the royal family of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC) and the Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BC).5: Mandarin form of the surname 籍 meaning ‘books’ in ancient Chinese borne by the descendants of Bo Yan an official in charge of classical books and historical records in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).6: Mandarin form of the surname 嵇: (i) from the placename Ji (嵇) the name of a hill (located in Anhui province) where people with other surnames Kuai-Ji (會稽) or Xi (奚) migrated and adopted the name of the hill as the surname. (ii) adopted as a surname by the Tong Ji (統稽) and the He Xi (紇奚) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).7: Mandarin form of the surname 吉 meaning ‘lucky’ in Chinese: (i) simplified form of the Chinese surname Ji (姞) originally the surname conferred on Bo Shu who was said to be a descendant of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC) and granted with the fief Southern Yan (located in Henan province). (ii) from part of the personal name of Yin Ji Fu (尹吉甫) an official during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou (reigned 827–782 BC).8: Mandarin form of the surname 計 meaning ‘calculate’ in Chinese: (i) possibly from Ji (計) the name of an ancient state (located in Shandong province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) possibly from the placename Ji Jin (計斤) the original capital (located in Shandong province) of the state of Ju during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC).9: Mandarin form of the surname 薊 denoting a kind of thistle in Chinese: from the placename Ji (薊) (located in present-day Beijing).10: Mandarin form of the surname 暨 meaning ‘and’ or ‘as well as’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Ji (暨) the name of a fief (thought to have been located in Jiangsu province) during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) adopted in place of the Chinese surname Gai (概) in order to escape from feud and persecution.11: Mandarin form of the surname 汲 meaning ‘sap draw water’ in Chinese: (i) from Ji (汲) the name of an ancient state (located in present-day Henan province) during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC) which was annexed by the state of Wey and became a fief granted to the crown prince of Duke Xuan of Wey (ruler of the state of Wey died 700 BC). The name of the state (fief) was then adopted as a surname by the residents. (ii) from the placename Ji (汲) the name of a fief (located in Shandong province) in the state of Qi granted to the descendants of Duke Xuan of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 301 BC). (iii) said to be borne by the descendants of the royal families in the state of Chen during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) a surname from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China.
Kou : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 寇 meaning ‘invader’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of the post name Si Kou (司寇) the title of an official in charge of penalties during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC) and in the state of Wey during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) adopted as a surname by the Gu Kou Yin (古口引) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Chinese: alternative Mandarin form of the surnames 苟 勾 and 緱 see Gou 1-3.3: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 許 based on its Teochew or Hokkien pronunciations see Xu 2.4: Cambodian: probably of Chinese origin (compare above).
Lian : 1: Norwegian: habitational name from any of numerous farmsteads in Trøndelag named with the definite plural form of Li 11.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 連 meaning ‘link connect’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the personal name Lian Cheng (連稱) an official in the state of Qi (located in present-day Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) from the second element of the personal name Hui Lian (惠連) the third son of Lu Zhong a descendant of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (iii) from the first element of Lian Yin (連尹) and Lian Ao (連敖) names of two official posts in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) traced back to the Lian (連) family members of the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China; possibly a shortened form of the Xianbei surname He Lian (赫連). It was also adopted as a surname during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD) by two other Xianbei families Shi Lian (是連) and Tai Lian (太連).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 練 meaning ‘white silk’ or ‘skilled’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the first element of the placename Lian Xiang (練鄉) the name of a fief (located in present-day Fujian province) in the state of Min a small state during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907–960 AD). (ii) from the personal name of Lian Xiang (練何) who was a general with the original surname Dong (東) during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) but later endowed with the surname Lian (練) (meaning ‘skilful experienced’) because he was highly skilled in military training.4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 廉 which meant (among other things) ‘inspecting or investigating’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the second element of the personal name Da Lian (大廉) style name of the great-grandson of the legendary king Zhuanxu (traditional dates: 2514–2437 BC). (ii) adopted as a surname by Lian Xi Xian (廉希憲) because his father Bu Lu Hai Ya a Uygur had been appointed to an official post called Lian Shi (廉使) during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368 AD). One of the ancient meanings of Lian (廉) is ‘inspecting or investigating’; inspectors with this title were charged with examining the social order and maintaining stability; also investigating charges of corruption against local government officials.5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 梁 see Liang 1.6: Burmese (Chin): from a part of a male compound personal name from lian ‘(to become) great’. — Note: Since Chins do not have hereditary surnames this name element was registered as such only after immigration of its bearers to the US.
Ling : 1: English: habitational name from Lyng in Norfolk which may derive from Old English hlinc ‘ridge bank’ from Lyng in Somerset which may derive from Old English hlenc ‘hill side ledge’ or from any of various minor places called from Middle English ling ‘heather heath(land)’ (Old Norse lyng) such as Ling Hill in Blythburgh (Suffolk).2: English: occasionally a variant of Leng.3: German: variant of Link.4: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 凌 meaning ‘ice’: from the first element of Ling Ren (凌人) post name of an official responsible for the storage of ice cubes a hereditary post long held by descendants of Kang Shu the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou (c. 1087–1043 BC).5: Chinese: Mandarin or Cantonese form of the surname 令: (i) from the first element of Ling Yin (令尹) the name of an official post in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) shortened form of the Chinese compound surname Ling-Hu (令狐) originally the name of a fief (located in Shanxi province) in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).6: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 甯 (or 寧) see Ning.7: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 林 see Lin 1.8: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 冷 see Leng 4.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zu : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 祖 meaning ‘ancestors’ in Chinese: (i) from the first element of the personal names Zu Jia (祖甲) Zu Yi (祖乙) Zu Xin (祖辛) Zu Ding (祖丁) and Zu Geng (祖庚) personal names of several kings during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) from the first element of the personal names of Zu Ji (祖己) and Zu Yin (祖尹) who were descendants of an official called Zhong Hui who lived some time during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC).2: Mandarin form of the surname 俎 meaning ‘sacrificial utensil’ in ancient Chinese: (i) adopted as a surname by the Bao Zu (鮑俎) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (ii) said to be adopted by the fourth son of the uncle of the famous general Yue Fei (1103–1142 AD) who changed the original surname Zhu (祝) to Zu (俎) in order to escape from political persecutions.
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Source : DAFN2 : Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, ©2022 by Patrick Hanks and Oxford University Press
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