Dictionary Of Surnames Used In China ĸ图姓氟辞典 [2026]
: Meaning "kill" or "destroy" (archaic). This was the imperial surname of the Han Dynasty.
: Meaning "Plum." It was the royal surname of the Tang Dynasty and remains a dominant name worldwide. : Meaning "kill" or "destroy" (archaic)
: Meaning "King" or "Monarch." It is currently the most common surname in mainland China, with over 100 million people. : Meaning "King" or "Monarch
While there are thousands of surnames, a massive shares just the top five names. According to the latest census reports from the Ministry of Public Security , these are the heavyweights: Whether you are tracing your roots or simply
: Meaning "to stretch" or "archer." It originated from an official title for those who made bows and arrows.
Whether you are tracing your roots or simply curious about the "Big Five," this guide serves as your essential dictionary of Chinese surnames. 1. The "Big Five": China's Most Common Surnames
: Meaning "exhibit" or "ancient." It is particularly dominant in southern China and among the overseas Chinese diaspora. 2. The Origin Stories: Where Surnames Come From