奚Xi
Xī
Xi (奚) originally referred to a type of slave or servant in ancient China, but later evolved into a surname. It is relatively rare and carries connotations of humility and service. The character itself means 'why' or 'what' in classical Chinese.
What does the Chinese surname Xi (Xī) 奚 mean?
奚 Xi (Xī) is the #153 most common Chinese surname with approximately Under 1 million people. Xi (奚) originally referred to a type of slave or servant in ancient China, but later evolved into a surname. It is relatively rare and carries connotations of humility and service. The character itself means 'why' or 'what' in classical Chinese.
Population Ranking
#153
Estimated Under 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Henan, Shandong, Zhejiang
Five Element Attribute
Water
wisdom, flexibility, and adaptability
Origin & History
The surname Xi has multiple origins. One branch descends from the Yellow Emperor's grandson, who was granted the fief of Xi. Another origin is from the Xi tribe of the Dongyi people in ancient times. Additionally, some Xi families claim descent from officials of the Xia Dynasty.
Surname Evolution
The Xi surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Xi clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Xi 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 (Xi Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Xi Clan Ancestral Hall in Nanyang — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Xi 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 Xi
Xi Zhong (奚仲) — legendary chariot maker of the Xia Dynasty
Xi Kang (奚康) — Northern Wei official and scholar
Xi Shichang (奚世昌) — Ming Dynasty painter
Example Names with Xi
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname 奚 Xi mean in Chinese?
奚 Xi (Xī) is the #153 most common Chinese surname. Xi (奚) originally referred to a type of slave or servant in ancient China, but later evolved into a surname. It is relatively rare and carries connotations of humility and service. The character itself means 'why' or 'what' in classical Chinese.
Where does the 奚 Xi surname originate from?
The surname Xi has multiple origins. One branch descends from the Yellow Emperor's grandson, who was granted the fief of Xi. Another origin is from the Xi tribe of the Dongyi people in ancient times. Additionally, some Xi families claim descent from officials of the Xia Dynasty.
Who are some famous people with the surname 奚 Xi?
Notable people include Xi Zhong (奚仲) — legendary chariot maker of the Xia Dynasty, Xi Kang (奚康) — Northern Wei official and scholar, Xi Shichang (奚世昌) — Ming Dynasty painter.
How many people have the surname 奚 Xi in China?
The surname Xi is ranked #153 in China with approximately Under 1 million people. Henan, Shandong, Zhejiang