Origin
Yuan : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 袁 meaning ‘(of dress) long’ in ancient Chinese: from the personal name of Bo Yuan (伯爰) style name of Zhu who was a descendant of Hu Gong Man (Duke Hu of Chen head of the state of Chen). In ancient Chinese the characters 爰 轅 and 袁 were used interchangeably. Descendants of Bo Yuan adopted 袁 (Yuan) as their surname.2: Mandarin form of the surname 元 meaning ‘head’ or ‘beginning’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the personal name of Yuan Xian (元銑) an official in the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) from the placename Yuan (元) the name of a fief located in Gaoping in Shanxi province which was granted to Yuan prince of the state of Wei during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) from the placename Yuan (元) the name of a fief located in present-day Hebei province which was granted to Yuan Xuan (元晅) an official in the state of Wey (衛) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iv) from the Tuoba (拓跋) Hegu (紇骨) and Shiyun (是雲) families from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who adopted 元 as their surname during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).3: Mandarin form of the surname 苑 often referring to imperial gardens in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Yuan (苑) the name of a state (located in Xinzheng in Henan province) during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (ii) from the personal name of Yuan He Ji (苑何忌) an official in the state of Qi (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Mandarin form of the surname 原 meaning ‘open land’ in Chinese: from Yuan (原) the name of a state (located in Jiyuan in Henan province) granted to Yuan Bo (原伯) (the Earl of Yuan) the 16th son of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). After it was annexed by the state of Jin (located in present-day Shanxi province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) people from the state adopted Yuan (原) the name of the state as their surname. Moreover after the annihilation of the state of Yuan (原) the state became a fief in the state of Jin which were then granted to Xian Zhen also known as Yuan Zhen. His descendants also inherited Yuan (原) the name of the fief as their surname.5: Mandarin form of the surname 源 meaning ‘source origin’ in Chinese: surname from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China said to be traced back to Tu-Fa Po-Qiang (403–479 AD) also known as Yuan He (源賀) who was originally prince of the state of Southern Liang (397–414 AD) but later fled to Northern Wei after the toppling of Southern Liang. He was later endowed with the new surname Yuan (源) by the then emperor (Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei) because it was said that he shared the same ‘origin’ with the emperor. His descendants then inherited his new surname Yuan (源).
Gao : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 高 meaning ‘high’ in Chinese: (i) said to be borne by descendants of Gao Yuan (高元) an official during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from Gao (高) the name of a fief (located in Yuxian in Henan province) granted to Prince Gao son of the Duke Wen of Qi (the 10th recorded ruler of the state of Qi died 804 BC). (iii) from the second element of the personal name Zi Gao (子高) style name of Prince Qi son of the Duke Hui of Qi (ruler of the state of Qi died 599 BC). (iv) borne by descendants of Yuan Jingan and Yuan Wenyao who were endowed with the surname Gao (高) by Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi (526–559 AD). (v) adopted in place of the surname 徐 by Gao Long (高隆) who inherited his foster father's surname during the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577 AD). (vi) adopted as a surname by the Emperor Mu-Rong Yun (died 409 AD) in the Later Yan dynasty (384–407 AD). (vii) adopted as a surname by some families in the Xianbei and Gaoli (Korean) ethnic groups in northern China.2: Mandarin form of the surname 郜: from Gao (郜) the name of a state (located in Chengwu in Shandong province) granted to the 11th son of the virtuous King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). After it was annexed by the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) the name of the state was adopted as a surname.3: Mandarin form of the surname 皋 meaning ‘marsh’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Gao Yao (皋陶) the official in charge of penalty during the reign of the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC); (ii) from the first element of the personal name Gao Ru (皋如) an official in the state of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) from Gao (皋) the name of an ancient tribe or a small state (possibly located in northern China) later annexed by the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).
Han : 1: Chinese: Mandarin pronunciation of the surname 韓: (i) it is said that the surname is borne by descendants of Han Liu (韓流) a grandson of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) shortened form of Han Yuan (韓原) the name of a fief (possibly present-day Hejin in Shanxi province or Hancheng in Shaanxi province) granted to Bi Wan also known as Han Wan (韓萬) or Han Wuzi (韓武子) a politician in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). His descendants inherited the name of the fief as their surname. (iii) from Han (韓) the name of a state during the Warring States Period (475–221 BC). The state was established in 403 BC and annexed by the state of Qin in 230 BC. Descendants of nobles from this state inherited it as their surname. (iv) From the Chu Da Han (出大汗) family of the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China who adopted the surname Han (韓) during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 寒 meaning ‘cold’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Han Ai (寒哀) the name of an official during the reign of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) from Han (寒) the name of an ancient state (located in Shandong province) during the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (iii) adopted in place of the homophonous Chinese surname Han (韓) by some people who changed their original surname Han (韓) to Han (寒) in order to avoid feud.3: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 杭 see Hang 1.4: Korean: written 한 in Chinese characters 韓. There are actually two Chinese characters for the surname Han. However one of these characters meaning ‘China’ is very rare (only two households with this surname appeared in a recent census) so only the other will be considered here. Some records indicate that there are 131 clans of the Han family but only one – the Han family of Ch’ŏngju can be documented. Some sources name Han Ran as the founding ancestor of the Han family. Han Ran is recognized as one of the men who assisted the first Koryŏ king Wang Kŏn in setting up the Koryŏ kingdom in 918. More recent scholarship however postulates that the Ch’ŏngju Han clan's founding ancestor was U-P’yŏng one of three sons of the fortieth generation descendant of Kija the founder of the ancient Chosŏn kingdom (died 194 BC). The other two sons U-sŏng and U-Kyŏng founded the Ki clan and the Sŏngan clans respectively. Compare Hahn 5.5: Vietnamese (Hàn): from the Chinese surname 韓 see 1 above.6: Vietnamese (Hán): written 汉 in Chinese of unexplained etymology.7: Burmese: from a personal name usually forming part of a compound name from han ‘appearance’. — Note: Since Burmese do not have hereditary surnames this name was registered as such only after immigration of its bearers to the US.8: Turkish: ornamental name or nickname from the title han ‘sovereign khan’ (see Khan).9: Dutch: from a short form of the personal name Johan(nes) (see John).10: French (Lorraine): probably a cognate of Dutch name in 9 above.11: Czech and Slovak (Hán): from a short form of the German personal name Johann(es) (see John).12: Jewish: variant of Hahn.
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.
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.
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’.
Myung : Korean: variant of Myŏng. In 1363 Myŏn Ok-jin established the Ha (Summer) Kingdom between Korea's Koryŏ Kingdom and China's Yuan Kingdom and declared himself emperor. This was a time of shifting political alliances between Korea and China and several such small kingdoms appeared on the borderlands between the two nations. Myŏng Ok-jin died in 1366 and his son Myŏng Sŏng ascended the throne of the Ha Kingdom. At this time however China's Yuan nation was falling and the new Ming Dynasty seized the Ha kingdom's territory. Myŏng Sŏng returned to Koryŏ and was given the right by the Koryŏ king to live in Songdo Korea. Later when the Koryŏ kingdom fell to the Chosŏn kingdom Myŏng Sŭng associated with the Yi Dynasty's founding king Yi Sŏng-gye. Most members of present-day Myŏng family live in North Korea's P’yŏnan North Province.
Na : 1: Korean: there is only one Chinese character for the Na surname. Some sources indicate that there are 46 different Na clans but only two of them can be documented and it is believed that these two sprang from a common founding ancestor. The Na clan's founding ancestor Na Pu migrated from China sometime during the mid seventh century and settled in the Naju area. Compare Nah 3 and Ra 1.2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 那 meaning ‘that’ in Chinese: (i) from Na (那) the name of a state (located in present-day Hebei province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) established by the migrants from the state of Quan due to the war launched by the state of Chu. (ii) traced back to minority ethnic groups in China such as Manchus who adopted Na (那) as their Han Chinese surname.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 納: (i) a surname of the Hui ethnic group said to be traced back to Nasr al-Din (died 1292 AD translated into Chinese as Na Su La Ding: 納速剌丁) a provincial governor of Yunnan and of Shaanxi during the Yuan dynasty and also the eldest son of the famous official Sayyid Ajall Shams al-Din Omar al-Bukhari (1211–79). (ii) adopted as a Han Chinese surname from other minority ethnic groups in China.4: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 藍 see Lan 1.
Pan : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 潘 meaning ‘rice water’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the placename Pan (潘) a fief (located in present-day northwestern Shangqiu in Henan province) that was granted to Ji Sun son of Bi Gong Gao (Duke of Bi the 15th son of King Wen of Zhou 1152–1056 BC). (ii) borne by descendants of Pan Chong (潘崇) a noble in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) adopted as a surname by the Po Duo Luo (破多罗) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). (iv) adopted as a surname by Pan Shao (潘紹) who changed his original surname Zhao to Pan during the Yuan dynasty (1206–1368 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 盤 denoting ‘washbasin’ or ‘plate’ in ancient Chinese: said to be borne by descendants of Pan Hu (盤瓠) an ancient legendary figure. They were originally scattered around the present-day southern Sichuan province and later migrated to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangdong province.3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 泮 meaning‘side'or ‘waterside' in Chinese: possibly derived from a placename (said to be name of a place in the state of Wey (衛) during the Spring and Autumn period 770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Cantonese and alternative Mandarin form of the surname 班 see Ban 6.5: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 彭 see Peng 1.6: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 范 see Fan 1.7: Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 賓 see Bin 1.8: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 馮 possibly based on its Hokkien or Teochew pronunciation see Feng 1.9: Korean: there are two Chinese characters for this surname; only one of them however is common enough to warrant treatment here. There are three clans which use this character: the Kisŏng (also called the Kŏje) the Kwangju and the Namp’yŏng. The founding ancestors of these clans were Koryŏ (918–1392) figures and it is widely believed that they were related. Compare Ban 9.10: Amerindian (Guatemala and Mexico): Mayan name from pan ‘flag banner’.11: Spanish: metonymic occupational name for a baker or a pantryman from pan ‘bread’ (from Latin panis).12: English and Dutch: metonymic occupational name for someone who cast or sold pans from Middle English Middle Dutch panne ‘pan’.13: Ukrainian Rusyn Sorbian and Jewish (eastern Ashkenazic); Czech and Slovak (Pán): from Ukrainian Sorbian and Yiddish pan Czech and Slovak pán ‘lord master landowner’ hence a nickname for a haughty person. The Sorbian surname is found mainly in a Germanized form Pahn.14: Ukrainian and Rusyn: from a short form of the personal name Panteleymon (Greek Panteleēmōn; see Pantaleo) and also of some other names beginning with Pa(n)-.
Rong : 5: In some cases also Norwegian: habitational name from a farm name in Hordaland related to rong ‘stern (of a boat)’.1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 容 meaning ‘tolerate’ or ‘appearance’ in Chinese: (i) from Rong (容) the name of an ancient state (location unknown). (ii) from Rong (容) the name of a post in ancient China held by officials in charge of the management of rituals ceremonies and music. (iii) from the personal name of Rong Cheng (容成) an official during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC) who was said to be the inventor of the first Chinese calendar. (iv) from the personal name of Zhong Rong (仲容) an official during the reign of the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC). (v) from Zi Rong (子容) style name of Nan Rong Shi (南容適) also called Nan Rong (南容) a student of Confucius (551–479 BC) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 戎 referring to ‘weapons military’ or ‘tribes in western China’ in ancient Chinese: (i) borne by descendants of Song Weizi founder of the state of Song during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) from Rong (戎) the name of a small state (located in Caoxian in Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (iii) from Jiang Rong (姜戎) the name of a vassal state (located in present-day Shanxi province) of the state of Jin (located in present-day Shanxi province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).3: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 榮 meaning ‘thriving prosperous’ or ‘glorious’ in Chinese: (i) from the personal name of Rong Yuan (榮援) an official during the reign of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC) who made twelve large bells. (ii) from the placename Rong (榮) the name of a fief (located in Huxian in Shaanxi province) granted to Rong Bo (榮伯 the Earl of Rong) an official during the reign of King Cheng of Zhou (reigned 1042–1021 BC). (iii) from the placename Rong (榮) the name of a state (located in present-day Henan province) granted to Rong Yi Gong (榮夷公 Duke Yi of Rong) an official during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (iv) from the personal name of Rong Cheng Bo (榮成伯) a member of the royal family of the state of Lu (located in present-day Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (v) from the personal name of Rong Ji (榮季) also called Rong Huang (榮黃) an official in the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).4: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 融 meaning ‘belching’ in ancient Chinese said to be traced back to Zhu Rong (祝融) a legendary figure in charge of fire who was said to be a descendant of the legendary king Zhuanxu (traditional dates: 2514–2437 BC).
Sheng : Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 盛 which means ‘flourishing prosperous’: (i) from Sheng (盛) the name of a state during the reign of King Mu of Zhou (reigned 976–922 BC) the fifth king of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) from the name of Sheng Bao (盛苞) an official in the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD) whose original surname was Shi (奭). He changed it to Sheng (盛) because his original surname was identical to the personal name of Emperor Yuan of Han (75–33 BC) which was taboo in ancient China.
Sima : 1: Czech (Šíma): from a pet form of the personal name Šimon (see Simon).2: Hungarian: from a pet form of the personal name Simon.3: Jewish (from Ukraine): from the Yiddish female name Sime a derivative of Hebrew simcha ‘joy’.4: Germanized form of Czech Slovak Croatian and Slovenian Zima.5: Albanian: from the personal name Simë (definite form Sima) a short form of Simon.6: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 司馬: (i) from the post name Si-Ma (司馬) in ancient China in charge of the national security and the military. (ii) said to be adopted in place of the surname Niu (牛) by the emperor Si-Ma Rui (司馬睿) known as Emperor Yuan of Jin (276–323 AD) founder of the Eastern Jin dynasty (316–420 AD). (iii) adopted by the other families during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).
Suma : Hokkien or Taiwanese form of the Chinese surname 司馬 (Sima in Mandarin pinyin Sima or Szema in Cantonese romanization): (i) from the post name Si-Ma (司馬) in ancient China in charge of the national security and the military. (ii) said to be adopted in place of the surname Niu (牛) by the emperor Si-Ma Rui (司馬睿) known as Jin Yuan Di (276–323 AD) in the Eastern Jin dynasty (316–420 AD). (iii) adopted by the other families during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD).
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.
Tuo : 1: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 拓 meaning ‘expand’ in Chinese: (i) shortened form of the compound surname Tuo-Ba (拓跋) (or known as Tabgach in the Old Turkic langauge) a clan of the Xianbei ethnic group in ancient China. (ii) a surname traced back to the Yuan dynasty (1206 – 1368 AD).2: Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 庹 an unit of length in ancient China referring to the arm span/reach: adopted in place of another Chinese surname 度 see Du 4.3: Italian (Liguria): variant of Tuvo a topographic name from Ligurian dialect tuvu denoting a marlstone formation.
Wei : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 魏 a term referring to ‘the buildings at either side of the gates of the royal palace’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from Wei (魏) originally the name of a fief (located in Ruicheng in Shanxi province) granted to Bi Wan an official in the state of Jin. In 403 BC the state of Jin was split into three one of which was the state of Wei (魏) established by Wei Huan Zi (魏桓子). After this state was annexed by the state of Qin in 225 BC its name was adopted by some people as a surname. (ii) adopted in place of the surname Mi (羋) by Wei Ran (魏冉) an official who lived in the state of Qin during the Warring States period (475–221 BC). (iii) borne by descendants of Wei Liao Weng (魏了翁) a scholar during the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279 AD) who changed his original name Gao (高) to his uncle's surname Wei (魏).2: Mandarin form of the surname 危 meaning ‘danger’ or ‘towering’ in Chinese: (i) from the second element of the placename San Wei (三危) (located in Gansu province) to which people from an ancient state called San Miao (located in present-day Hunan Hubei and Jiangxi province) are said to have migrated during the reign of the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC). (ii) borne by descendants of Wei Su (危素) a scholar during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644 AD) who changed his original surname Huang to Wei (危).3: Mandarin form of the surname 韋 meaning ‘leather’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the second element of the placename Shi Wei (豕韋) the name of an ancient state (located in Henan province) said to have originally been granted to Yuan Zhe by Shao Kang the sixth king of the Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC). (ii) possibly from Wei (韋) as a title of an official in charge of the manufacture of leather goods. (iii) traced back to the Wei (韋) family in the ancient state of Shu Le (located in present-day Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region) during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD). (iv) said to be borne by descendants of Han Xin (韓信) a revered official in the early Western Han dynasty (206 BC–25 AD) who was killed on the orders of Empress Lü (wife of Emperor Gaozu of Han). His descendants fled to southern Canton (present-day Guangdong province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) and simplified their surname Han (韓) to Wei (韋) in order to avoid persecution. (v) borne by descendants of Huan Yan Fan who was endowed with the surname Wei (韋) by Emperor Zhongzong of Tang (656–710 AD) as a token of appreciation.4: Mandarin form of the surname 衛 meaning ‘defend guard’ in Chinese: (i) from Wei/Wey (衛) the name of a state (located in Henan province) granted to Kang Shu also known as Wey Kang Shu (衛康叔 Kang Shu of Wey) the 9th son of King Wen of Zhou (1152–1056 BC). After it was annexed by the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) it was adopted as the surname by its original inhabitants. (ii) traced back to the Wei (衛) family from the Xianbei ethnic group in northern China.5: Mandarin form of the surname 位 meaning ‘position’ in Chinese: said to be traced back to Wei Shi (位侍) the name of a king of Yutian (also known as Kingdom of Khotan an ancient Buddhist kingdom located in present-day Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region).6: Mandarin form of the surname 尉 (also pronounced as Yu in Mandarin see Yu 12) the name of the official title of prison wardens in ancient China said to be borne by the descendants of prison wardens in ancient China.7: Mandarin form of the surname 隗 (also pronounced as Kui in Mandarin): (i) a surname from the state of Di (possibly located in Shanxi province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) a surname from the Tangut ethnic group in ancient northwestern China.
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.
Xuan : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 宣: (i) from Xuan (宣) posthumous title of King Xuan of Zhou (reigned 827–782 BC) one of the kings of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC). (ii) from Xuan (宣) posthumous title of the Duke Xuan of Song (the 13th ruler of the state of Song reigned 747–729 BC). (iii) from Xuan Bo (宣伯 'Earl Xuan') posthumous title of Shusun Qiaoru an official in the state of Lu (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). In ancient Chinese 宣 denoted the grand hall of an imperial palace; it was also used to refer to imperial edicts and to an very rare and valuable kind of jade. (Jade is regarded in Chinese culture as an auspicious material that can bring good luck and ward off evil.) These meanings might explain why this Chinese character was sometimes used as a posthumous title by members of royal families.2: Mandarin form of the surname 禤: possibly traced back to Xuan Chunwang (禤纯旺) an official in the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD).This surname is found mainly in Guangdong Guangxi and Hong Kong.3: Mandarin form of the surname 玄 meaning ‘mysterious’ in Chinese: (i) said to be traced back to Xuan Xiao (玄霄) son of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (ii) said to be traced back to Xuan Shou (玄壽) an official during the reign of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). (iii) a Korean surname.4: Mandarin form of the surname 軒 probably derived from the first element of Xuan Yuan (軒轅) personal name of the legendary emperor Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC).
Zhang : Chinese:: 1: Mandarin form of the surname 張 meaning ‘to draw a bow’ in ancient Chinese: (i) for some families it is traced back to Xie Zhang (解張) whose style name was Zhang Hou (張侯) (‘Marquis Zhang’) a noble in the state of Jin (located in present-day Shanxi province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) this surname is also borne by descendants of Hui a grandson of the legendary Huang Di the ‘Yellow Emperor’ (c. 27th century BC). Hui was given the title Gong Zheng denoting an official in charge of making bows. (張 Zhang means ‘to draw a bow’ in ancient Chinese). (iii) from the name of Zhang Liao (張遼) an official in the state of Wei in northern China during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD). (iv) the surname is also traced back to Long Youna chief of one of the minority ethnic groups (located mainly in present-day Sichuan Guizhou and Yunnan provinces) during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD) who was given the Chinese surname Zhang (張) by Zhuge Liang the prime minister of the state of Shu.2: Mandarin form of the surname 章 meaning ‘stamp seal’ in Chinese: from Zhang (鄣) the name of an ancient fiefdom (located in present-day Shandong province) which was annexed by the state of Qi in 664 BC. When the name of the fiefdom was adopted as a surname the written form of the Chinese character 鄣 was simplified to 章.3: Mandarin form of the surname 仉 an interchangeable Chinese character with another Chinese character Zhang (掌 meaning ‘palm to hold’ in Chinese) in ancient China: (i) said to be traced back to the Dang (黨 pronounced the same as Zhang (掌) in ancient times) family in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). (ii) said to be borne by the descendants of Zhang Qi (仉晵) one of the four famous lords in the Liang period (502 – 557 AD) during the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420–589 AD). (iii) a surname from the Hui ethnic group said to be borne by the descendants of Zhang Jisha (仉機沙) a famous Muslim poet during the Yuan dynasty (1206 – 1368 AD) whose ancestry could be traced back to the Arab Empire.
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Source : DAFN2 : Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, ©2022 by Patrick Hanks and Oxford University Press
FANBI : The Oxford Dictionary if Family Names in Britain and Ireland, ©2016, University of the West of England
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