戚Qi
Qī
Qi (戚) means 'sorrow' or 'relative,' but as a surname, it signifies kinship and closeness. It is associated with the ancient state of Qi and a sense of familial bonds.
What does the Chinese surname Qi (Qī) 戚 mean?
戚 Qi (Qī) is the #190 most common Chinese surname with approximately Under 1 million people. Qi (戚) means 'sorrow' or 'relative,' but as a surname, it signifies kinship and closeness. It is associated with the ancient state of Qi and a sense of familial bonds.
Population Ranking
#190
Estimated Under 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Sichuan, Guangdong, Zhejiang
Five Element Attribute
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The Qi surname originated from the state of Qi (戚) during the Zhou Dynasty, located in present-day Henan Province. It was also adopted by descendants of a noble family from the Spring and Autumn period.
Surname Evolution
The Qi surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Qi clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Qi surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Dunhuang, Gansu. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Dunhuang Commandery (敦煌郡) — Modern-day Dunhuang, Gansu Province
Hall Title
追远堂 (Qi Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Qi Clan Ancestral Hall in Dunhuang — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Qi 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
积善传家，诗礼继世 — Accumulating goodness passes through the family; poetry and ritual continue.
Famous People Named Qi
Qi Jiguang (戚继光) — Ming Dynasty general who fought against Japanese pirates
Qi Baishi (齐白石) — though his surname is Qi (齐), not Qi (戚); for Qi (戚): Qi Wei (戚薇) — Modern Chinese actress and singer
Qi Qin (戚秦) — Chinese singer and songwriter
Example Names with Qi
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname 戚 Qi mean in Chinese?
戚 Qi (Qī) is the #190 most common Chinese surname. Qi (戚) means 'sorrow' or 'relative,' but as a surname, it signifies kinship and closeness. It is associated with the ancient state of Qi and a sense of familial bonds.
Where does the 戚 Qi surname originate from?
The Qi surname originated from the state of Qi (戚) during the Zhou Dynasty, located in present-day Henan Province. It was also adopted by descendants of a noble family from the Spring and Autumn period.
Who are some famous people with the surname 戚 Qi?
Notable people include Qi Jiguang (戚继光) — Ming Dynasty general who fought against Japanese pirates, Qi Baishi (齐白石) — though his surname is Qi (齐), not Qi (戚); for Qi (戚): Qi Wei (戚薇) — Modern Chinese actress and singer, Qi Qin (戚秦) — Chinese singer and songwriter.
How many people have the surname 戚 Qi in China?
The surname Qi is ranked #190 in China with approximately Under 1 million people. Sichuan, Guangdong, Zhejiang