米Mi
Mǐ
Mi (米) means 'rice,' a staple food in China, symbolizing sustenance, prosperity, and humility. It reflects the agricultural roots of Chinese civilization.
What does the Chinese surname Mi (Mǐ) 米 mean?
米 Mi (Mǐ) is the #188 most common Chinese surname with approximately Under 1 million people. Mi (米) means 'rice,' a staple food in China, symbolizing sustenance, prosperity, and humility. It reflects the agricultural roots of Chinese civilization.
Population Ranking
#188
Estimated Under 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Sichuan, Hebei, Shandong
Five Element Attribute
Water
wisdom, flexibility, and adaptability
Origin & History
The Mi surname originated from the ancient state of Chu, where it was the royal clan name. It also has roots in the Mi (芈) family name of the Warring States period, later simplified to the character for rice.
Surname Evolution
The Mi surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Mi clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Mi surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Baoding area, Hebei. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Zhongshan Commandery (中山郡) — Modern-day Baoding area, Hebei Province
Hall Title
永思堂 (Mi Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Mi Clan Ancestral Hall in Zhongshan — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Mi 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
忠孝传家，仁德继世 — Loyalty and filial piety pass through the family; benevolence and virtue continue.
Famous People Named Mi
Mi Fu (米芾) — Song Dynasty calligrapher and painter
Mi Youren (米友仁) — Song Dynasty painter, son of Mi Fu
Mi Zhaohui (米朝晖) — Modern Chinese actor
Example Names with Mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname 米 Mi mean in Chinese?
米 Mi (Mǐ) is the #188 most common Chinese surname. Mi (米) means 'rice,' a staple food in China, symbolizing sustenance, prosperity, and humility. It reflects the agricultural roots of Chinese civilization.
Where does the 米 Mi surname originate from?
The Mi surname originated from the ancient state of Chu, where it was the royal clan name. It also has roots in the Mi (芈) family name of the Warring States period, later simplified to the character for rice.
Who are some famous people with the surname 米 Mi?
Notable people include Mi Fu (米芾) — Song Dynasty calligrapher and painter, Mi Youren (米友仁) — Song Dynasty painter, son of Mi Fu, Mi Zhaohui (米朝晖) — Modern Chinese actor.
How many people have the surname 米 Mi in China?
The surname Mi is ranked #188 in China with approximately Under 1 million people. Sichuan, Hebei, Shandong