Chinese Surnames: History, Meanings, and the 100 Most Common Family Names
Chinese surnames (姓, xìng) carry thousands of years of history, connecting modern people to ancient clans, dynasties, and legends. Unlike in many cultures, surnames in China come before the given name — a reflection of family lineage taking priority over individuality. Over 85% of China’s population shares just 100 common surnames.
Origins of Chinese Surnames
- Ancient Clans: Many originated from the names of states, regions, or noble families in the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE).
- Occupations: Some surnames reflected jobs — for example, Shi (史) means “historian.”
- Nature & Symbols: Names like Lin (林) mean “forest,” connecting to natural elements.
The “Hundred Family Names” (百家姓)
A classic text from the Song Dynasty listing common surnames. Originally written for children’s education, it includes famous ones like Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li.
Top 10 Most Common Chinese Surnames & Meanings
| Surname | Chinese Characters | Meaning / Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Wang | 王 | “King” — royal lineage |
| Li | 李 | “Plum” — ancient noble family |
| Zhang | 张 | “To stretch” or “archer’s bow” |
| Liu | 刘 | Linked to Han Dynasty royalty |
| Chen | 陈 | State of Chen in ancient China |
| Yang | 杨 | “Poplar tree” |
| Huang | 黄 | “Yellow” — symbol of earth |
| Zhao | 赵 | First surname in the Hundred Family Names |
| Wu | 吴 | Ancient state of Wu |
| Zhou | 周 | Dynasty name — Zhou Dynasty |
Cultural Customs Around Surnames
- Order of Names: Surname first, given name second.
- Inheritance: Traditionally paternal, though maternal lines are sometimes used.
- Marriage: Women typically keep their surnames.
Famous Figures & Their Surnames
- Confucius (Kong, 孔) – Sage and philosopher.
- Mao Zedong (Mao, 毛) – Founding father of modern China.
- Yao Ming (Yao, 姚) – Basketball legend.
Chinese Surnames Overseas
Chinese diaspora communities in Singapore, Malaysia, and the U.S. often have romanized versions in Cantonese, Hokkien, or other dialects:
- Chen → Chan / Tan
- Li → Lee / Lei
- Wang → Wong / Heng
FAQ
Q: How many Chinese surnames are there in total?
A: Over 6,000 recorded, though many are rare.
Q: Do Chinese surnames indicate ethnicity?
A: Sometimes — certain surnames are linked to ethnic minorities like the Manchu, Hui, or Mongols.