MaSurname
Má
Ma (麻) literally means 'hemp' or 'numb'. As a surname, it is relatively rare and may connote resilience or simplicity. It is also associated with the ancient state of Ma.
Population Ranking
#163
Estimated Under 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong
The ancient totem of 麻 clan
Yinwen seal — 麻
Five Element Analysis
Water
wisdom, flexibility, and adaptability
Origin & History
The Ma surname originated from the ancient state of Ma (麻) during the Zhou Dynasty. Descendants of the ruling family adopted the state name as their surname. Another origin is from the surname of the legendary figure Ma Shu (麻叔), a descendant of the Yellow Emperor.
Surname Evolution
The Ma surname originated from the State of Zhao during the Warring States period, where an ancestor was given the surname for his expertise in horsemanship. General Ma Yuan of the Eastern Han made the surname famous. The Ma clan spread widely across northwest China.
Commandery
Fufeng Commandery (扶风郡) — Modern-day Baoji area, Shaanxi Province
Hall Title
扶风堂 (Fufeng Hall)
Ancestral Hall
Ma Clan Ancestral Hall in Fufeng, Shaanxi — Honoring General Ma Yuan, known as the 'Wave-Subduing General.' The hall features traditional military relics.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
扶风世泽，铜柱家风 — The Fufeng heritage; the Bronze Pillar family tradition.
Famous People with Surname Ma
Ma Gui (麻贵) — Ming Dynasty general who fought in the Imjin War
Ma Zhongying (麻忠英) — 20th-century Chinese Muslim warlord
Ma Yifu (麻一福) — Modern Chinese painter known for traditional landscapes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname Ma mean?
The surname Ma (Má) means: Ma (麻) literally means 'hemp' or 'numb'. As a surname, it is relatively rare and may connote resilience or simplicity. It is also associated with the ancient state of Ma.
Where does the Ma surname originate from?
The Ma surname has a rich history dating back to ancient China. The Ma surname originated from the ancient state of Ma (麻) during the Zhou Dynasty. Descendants of the ruling family adopted the state name as their surname. Another origin is from the surname of the legendary figure Ma Shu (麻叔), a descendant of the Yellow Emperor.
How common is the Ma surname?
The Ma surname is ranked #163 among Chinese surnames, with an estimated population of Under 1 million people.
Who are famous people with the Ma surname?
Notable people with the Ma surname include Ma Gui (麻贵) — Ming Dynasty general who fought in the Imjin War, Ma Zhongying (麻忠英) — 20th-century Chinese Muslim warlord, Ma Yifu (麻一福) — Modern Chinese painter known for traditional landscapes.
What element is associated with the Ma surname?
The Ma surname is associated with the Water element in Chinese Five Element theory.
Tone Compatibility
Ma (Má) is a 2nd tone (rising) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
- 2-1-4
- 2-3-4
- 2-4-2
Patterns to Avoid
- 2-2-2 (flat rhythm)
- 2-1-1 (abrupt start)
Example Names with Ma
Your Ma Family Legend
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