费FeiSurname
Fèi
费 (Fèi) means 'cost' or 'expenses,' but as a surname it is derived from a place name. It symbolizes resourcefulness and management. The surname is also associated with diligence and practicality.
Fèi
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#120
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Jiangsu, Hebei, Henan
Five Element Analysis
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The Fei surname has multiple origins. One branch comes from the state of Fei (费) during the Xia Dynasty. Another originated from the Ji family of the Lu state in the Spring and Autumn period.
Surname Evolution
The Fei surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Fei clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Fei surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Taiyuan, Shanxi. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Taiyuan Commandery (太原郡) — Modern-day Taiyuan, Shanxi Province
Hall Title
亲睦堂 (Fei Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Fei Clan Ancestral Hall in Taiyuan — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Fei 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 with Surname Fei
Fei Xiaotong (费孝通) — Renowned Chinese sociologist and anthropologist
Fei Mu (费穆) — Pioneering Chinese film director
Fei Zhen (费震) — Ming Dynasty official and scholar
Tone Compatibility
Fei (Fèi) is a 4th tone (falling) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and bright
bright and peaceful
vast as ocean and sun
Patterns to Avoid
Each digit is a tone (1=level, 2=rising, 3=dipping, 4=falling). The first is the surname tone; the next two are the given name's tones.
Example Names with Fei
Your Fei Family Legend
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What does the surname Fei mean in Chinese?
The surname Fei (费) means 'cost' or 'expenses,' but as a surname it is derived from a place name. The character combines 'bei' (贝, 'shell' as currency) and 'fei' (弗, 'not'), originally meaning 'to spend.' It symbolizes resourcefulness and management, often associated with diligence and practicality.
Where does the Fei surname originate from?
The Fei surname has multiple origins. One branch comes from the state of Fei (费) during the Xia Dynasty, located in present-day Shandong. Another branch descends from the Fei family of the Zhou Dynasty, who were descendants of the legendary emperor Zhuanxu. Additionally, some Fei families adopted the surname from the place name Fei (费) during the Han Dynasty.
Who are some famous people with the surname Fei?
1. Fei Xiaotong (费孝通), a renowned Chinese sociologist and anthropologist. 2. Fei Junlong (费俊龙), a Chinese astronaut (taikonaut). 3. Fei Mu (费穆), a famous Chinese film director of the early 20th century.
What given names go well with the surname Fei?
Given Fei's meaning of resourcefulness, given names that emphasize wisdom, prosperity, or management are suitable. For example, Fei Zhi (费智, 'wisdom') highlights intelligence, while Fei Cai (费财, 'wealth') suggests financial acumen. Names with characters like Yong (勇, 'brave') or Jin (进, 'progress') complement the practical nature of Fei.