Ma
Mǎ
Ma (马) means 'horse' and symbolizes speed, strength, and loyalty. It represents energy, perseverance, and the noble qualities associated with horses in Chinese culture, such as endurance and service.
Population Ranking
#20
Estimated Over 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Hebei, Henan, Guangdong
Five Element Attribute
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The Ma surname originated from the Zhao (赵) surname during the Warring States period. Descendants of Zhao She, a general who excelled in cavalry, adopted Ma as their surname. Another origin comes from minority groups who revered horses.
Surname Evolution
The Ma surname originated from the State of Zhao during the Warring States period, where an ancestor was given the surname for his expertise in horsemanship. General Ma Yuan of the Eastern Han made the surname famous. The Ma clan spread widely across northwest China.
Commandery
Fufeng Commandery (扶风郡) — Modern-day Baoji area, Shaanxi Province
Hall Title
扶风堂 (Fufeng Hall)
Ancestral Hall
Ma Clan Ancestral Hall in Fufeng, Shaanxi — Honoring General Ma Yuan, known as the 'Wave-Subduing General.' The hall features traditional military relics.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
扶风世泽，铜柱家风 — The Fufeng heritage; the Bronze Pillar family tradition.
Famous People Named Ma
Ma Ying-jeou (马英九) — Former President of Taiwan
Ma Chao (马超) — Han Dynasty general and warrior
Ma Sanli (马三立) — Renowned crosstalk (xiangsheng) performer