Skip to content Skip to footer

Chinese Surnames

This category explores the history, heritage, and cultural significance of various Chinese family names. It covers a wide range of surnames, including those from the Wuyi region and beyond, highlighting their genealogical importance and their role in Chinese migration and traditions.

HomeAll PostsChinese Surnames

Chinese Surnames

This category explores the history, heritage, and cultural significance of various Chinese family names. It covers a wide range of surnames, including those from the Wuyi region and beyond, highlighting their genealogical importance and their role in Chinese migration and traditions.

Traditional Chinese clan genealogy document showing generational records, similar to those maintained by Zhao clan associations in Taishan
Chinese Surnames Clan Genealogy diaspora Surname Archive

The Zhao Surname: 3,100 Years from Imperial China to the Wuyi Diaspora

Every Chinese person who has ever learned to read has memorized the same four characters: 赵钱孙李 — Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li. These are the opening words of the Hundred Family Surnames (百家姓, Bǎijiāxìng), the most famous roster of Chinese names in history, compiled during the Song Dynasty (宋朝, Sòng Cháo, 960-1279 CE). For a millennium,…
July 14, 20260Comments

Read more

Chinese Surnames Clan History Surname Genealogy

The Chen Surname Wuyi Diaspora: From Yingchuan to the Seven Sons

Water Has Ten Thousand Branches but One Source 56| In 1225 on a hillside in northern Guangdong, one man gathered his family and made a pact. His name was 陈辉 (Chén Huī), honorifically called 凤台公 (Fèngtái Gōng, Honorable Fengtai). He was a Song-dynasty jinshi (进士), the highest imperial examination degree, who served as Imperial…
July 13, 20260Comments

Read more