令狐Linghu
Lìnghú
令狐 (Lìnghú) is a compound surname where '令' means 'order' or 'command', and '狐' means 'fox'. It originally referred to a place name in the State of Jin. The surname evokes a sense of authority and cunning.
What does the Chinese surname Linghu (Lìnghú) 令狐 mean?
令狐 Linghu (Lìnghú) is the #409 most common Chinese surname with approximately Under 1 million people. 令狐 (Lìnghú) is a compound surname where '令' means 'order' or 'command', and '狐' means 'fox'. It originally referred to a place name in the State of Jin. The surname evokes a sense of authority and cunning.
Population Ranking
#409
Estimated Under 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Shandong, Guangdong, Jiangsu
Five Element Attribute
Fire
passion, energy, and leadership
Origin & History
The Linghu surname originated from a fief called Linghu in present-day Shanxi province, granted to a descendant of the Zhou royal family. During the Spring and Autumn period, the Linghu clan became prominent in the State of Jin. Later, many bearers simplified it to Hu (狐).
Surname Evolution
The Linghu surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Linghu clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Linghu surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Nanyang, Henan. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Nanyang Commandery (南阳郡) — Modern-day Nanyang, Henan Province
Hall Title
崇本堂 (Linghu Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Linghu Clan Ancestral Hall in Nanyang — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Linghu family. The hall serves as a gathering place for clan descendants during traditional festivals such as Qingming and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
勤俭传家，耕读继世 — Diligence and thrift pass through the family; farming and learning continue.
Famous People Named Linghu
Linghu Defen (令狐德棻) — Tang Dynasty historian and compiler of the Book of Zhou
Linghu Chu (令狐楚) — Tang Dynasty poet and politician
Linghu Tao (令狐绹) — Tang Dynasty chancellor and son of Linghu Chu
Example Names with Linghu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname 令狐 Linghu mean in Chinese?
令狐 Linghu (Lìnghú) is the #409 most common Chinese surname. 令狐 (Lìnghú) is a compound surname where '令' means 'order' or 'command', and '狐' means 'fox'. It originally referred to a place name in the State of Jin. The surname evokes a sense of authority and cunning.
Where does the 令狐 Linghu surname originate from?
The Linghu surname originated from a fief called Linghu in present-day Shanxi province, granted to a descendant of the Zhou royal family. During the Spring and Autumn period, the Linghu clan became prominent in the State of Jin. Later, many bearers simplified it to Hu (狐).
Who are some famous people with the surname 令狐 Linghu?
Notable people include Linghu Defen (令狐德棻) — Tang Dynasty historian and compiler of the Book of Zhou, Linghu Chu (令狐楚) — Tang Dynasty poet and politician, Linghu Tao (令狐绹) — Tang Dynasty chancellor and son of Linghu Chu.
How many people have the surname 令狐 Linghu in China?
The surname Linghu is ranked #409 in China with approximately Under 1 million people. Shandong, Guangdong, Jiangsu