Quan
Quán
权 (Quán) means 'power', 'authority', or 'right', symbolizing leadership and influence. It is a relatively common surname, especially in southern China. The character also means 'to weigh' or 'to consider'.
What does the Chinese surname Quan (Quán) mean?
Quan (Quán) is the #202 most common Chinese surname with approximately Under 1 million people. 权 (Quán) means 'power', 'authority', or 'right', symbolizing leadership and influence. It is a relatively common surname, especially in southern China. The character also means 'to weigh' or 'to consider'.
Population Ranking
#202
Estimated Under 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong
Five Element Attribute
Wood
growth, vitality, and kindness
Origin & History
The Quan surname originated from the state of Quan (权) during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, located in modern Hubei. It was also adopted by descendants of the Shang royal family. Some families changed their surname from other characters to Quan.
Surname Evolution
The Quan surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Quan clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Quan surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Dezhou area, Shandong. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Pingyuan Commandery (平原郡) — Modern-day Dezhou area, Shandong Province
Hall Title
敦睦堂 (Quan Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Quan Clan Ancestral Hall in Pingyuan — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Quan 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
诗书传家，礼仪继世 — Poetry and learning pass through the family; courtesy and propriety continue.
Famous People Named Quan
Quan Deyu (权德舆) — Tang Dynasty chancellor and poet
Quan Zhilong (权志龙) — South Korean singer and rapper (G-Dragon), of Chinese descent
Quan Xuan (权玄) — Ming Dynasty general
Example Names with Quan
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname Quan mean in Chinese?
Quan (Quán) is the #202 most common Chinese surname. 权 (Quán) means 'power', 'authority', or 'right', symbolizing leadership and influence. It is a relatively common surname, especially in southern China. The character also means 'to weigh' or 'to consider'.
Where does the Quan surname originate from?
The Quan surname originated from the state of Quan (权) during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, located in modern Hubei. It was also adopted by descendants of the Shang royal family. Some families changed their surname from other characters to Quan.
Who are some famous people with the surname Quan?
Notable people include Quan Deyu (权德舆) — Tang Dynasty chancellor and poet, Quan Zhilong (权志龙) — South Korean singer and rapper (G-Dragon), of Chinese descent, Quan Xuan (权玄) — Ming Dynasty general.
How many people have the surname Quan in China?
The surname Quan is ranked #202 in China with approximately Under 1 million people. Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong