He
Hé
He (何) originally meant 'carry' or 'what' but evolved to symbolize harmony and peace. It represents balance, inquiry, and adaptability, often associated with philosophical and diplomatic qualities.
Population Ranking
#18
Estimated Over 3 million people
Geographic Distribution
Henan, Shandong, Hebei
Five Element Attribute
Water
wisdom, flexibility, and adaptability
Origin & History
The He surname originated from the Han (韩) state during the Warring States period. Descendants of the Han royal family changed their surname to He to avoid persecution. Another origin comes from minority groups who adopted He during the Tang Dynasty.
Surname Evolution
The He surname evolved from the Han surname during the Western Jin Dynasty. The name change occurred when a Han clan member was granted the surname He. The surname is widely distributed across southern China.
Commandery
Lujiang Commandery (庐江郡) — Modern-day Lujiang area, Anhui Province
Hall Title
庐江堂 (Lujiang Hall)
Ancestral Hall
He Clan Ancestral Hall in Lujiang, Anhui — The traditional ancestral seat, preserving over 1,000 years of clan history and genealogical records.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
庐江世泽，学海家声 — The Lujiang heritage; the ocean-of-learning family reputation.
Famous People Named He
He Shen (和珅) — Qing Dynasty official known for his corruption
He Long (贺龙) — Founding Marshal of the People's Liberation Army
He Zhizhang (贺知章) — Tang Dynasty poet and official