艾Ai
Ài
Ai (艾) means 'mugwort' or 'artemisia', a medicinal herb symbolizing healing and longevity. It also conveys the idea of beauty and prosperity.
What does the Chinese surname Ai (Ài) 艾 mean?
艾 Ai (Ài) is the #365 most common Chinese surname with approximately Under 1 million people. Ai (艾) means 'mugwort' or 'artemisia', a medicinal herb symbolizing healing and longevity. It also conveys the idea of beauty and prosperity.
Population Ranking
#365
Estimated Under 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Sichuan, Henan, Zhejiang
Five Element Attribute
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The Ai surname has multiple origins. One comes from the ancient state of Ai (艾国) during the Xia Dynasty. Another is from the personal name of a noble in the Zhou Dynasty. It is also adopted by some ethnic minorities.
Surname Evolution
The Ai surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Ai clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Ai surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Shangqiu area, Henan. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Liangguo Commandery (梁国) — Modern-day Shangqiu area, Henan Province
Hall Title
报本堂 (Ai Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Ai Clan Ancestral Hall in Liangguo — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Ai 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 Ai
Ai Qing (艾青) — Renowned modern Chinese poet
Ai Weiwei (艾未未) — Contemporary artist and activist
Ai Sizhao (艾思照) — Ming Dynasty scholar
Example Names with Ai
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname 艾 Ai mean in Chinese?
艾 Ai (Ài) is the #365 most common Chinese surname. Ai (艾) means 'mugwort' or 'artemisia', a medicinal herb symbolizing healing and longevity. It also conveys the idea of beauty and prosperity.
Where does the 艾 Ai surname originate from?
The Ai surname has multiple origins. One comes from the ancient state of Ai (艾国) during the Xia Dynasty. Another is from the personal name of a noble in the Zhou Dynasty. It is also adopted by some ethnic minorities.
Who are some famous people with the surname 艾 Ai?
Notable people include Ai Qing (艾青) — Renowned modern Chinese poet, Ai Weiwei (艾未未) — Contemporary artist and activist, Ai Sizhao (艾思照) — Ming Dynasty scholar.
How many people have the surname 艾 Ai in China?
The surname Ai is ranked #365 in China with approximately Under 1 million people. Sichuan, Henan, Zhejiang