📖Surname Meanings

Chinese surnames (姓, xìng) are among the oldest family names in the world, some dating back over 4,000 years. Unlike Western surnames, Chinese surnames are typically one character and come before the given name. The Hundred Family Surnames (百家姓, Bǎi Jiā Xìng), a classic text from the Song Dynasty, lists the most common Chinese surnames in a poetic format. Today, just 100 surnames account for over 85% of China's population. Each surname carries a rich history — tales of ancient kingdoms, legendary founders, migrations, and transformations. Explore the origins and stories behind each surname below.