水Shui
Shuǐ
Shui (水) means 'water', symbolizing fluidity, adaptability, and life. It is a rare surname, reflecting the importance of water in Chinese culture as a source of nourishment and purity.
What does the Chinese surname Shui (Shuǐ) 水 mean?
水 Shui (Shuǐ) is the #507 most common Chinese surname with approximately Under 1 million people. Shui (水) means 'water', symbolizing fluidity, adaptability, and life. It is a rare surname, reflecting the importance of water in Chinese culture as a source of nourishment and purity.
Population Ranking
#507
Estimated Under 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Sichuan, Zhejiang, Hebei
Five Element Attribute
Wood
growth, vitality, and kindness
Origin & History
The Shui surname has multiple origins. One branch originated from the ancient state of Shui in present-day Zhejiang. Another derives from officials in charge of water management during the Zhou Dynasty. Some families adopted it from the names of rivers or lakes.
Surname Evolution
The Shui surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Shui clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Shui surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Yantai 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
Donglai Commandery (东莱郡) — Modern-day Yantai area, Shandong Province
Hall Title
世德堂 (Shui Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Shui Clan Ancestral Hall in Donglai — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Shui 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 Shui
Shui Yuan (水原) — Tang Dynasty poet known for his nature-themed verses
Shui Jing (水镜) — Eastern Han Dynasty scholar and strategist
Shui Qing (水清) — Modern Chinese painter renowned for landscape art
Example Names with Shui
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname 水 Shui mean in Chinese?
水 Shui (Shuǐ) is the #507 most common Chinese surname. Shui (水) means 'water', symbolizing fluidity, adaptability, and life. It is a rare surname, reflecting the importance of water in Chinese culture as a source of nourishment and purity.
Where does the 水 Shui surname originate from?
The Shui surname has multiple origins. One branch originated from the ancient state of Shui in present-day Zhejiang. Another derives from officials in charge of water management during the Zhou Dynasty. Some families adopted it from the names of rivers or lakes.
Who are some famous people with the surname 水 Shui?
Notable people include Shui Yuan (水原) — Tang Dynasty poet known for his nature-themed verses, Shui Jing (水镜) — Eastern Han Dynasty scholar and strategist, Shui Qing (水清) — Modern Chinese painter renowned for landscape art.
How many people have the surname 水 Shui in China?
The surname Shui is ranked #507 in China with approximately Under 1 million people. Sichuan, Zhejiang, Hebei