皮PiSurname
Pí
Pi (皮) means 'skin' or 'leather'. It conveys a sense of toughness, resilience, and protection. It is also associated with outer appearance and covering.
Pí
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#486
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Henan, Zhejiang, Guangdong
Five Element Analysis
Metal
strength, justice, and precision
Origin & History
The surname originated from the state of Pi during the Zhou Dynasty, located in present-day Henan. Descendants of the ruling family adopted the state name as their surname.
Surname Evolution
The Pi surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Pi clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Pi surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Dunhuang, Gansu. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Dunhuang Commandery (敦煌郡) — Modern-day Dunhuang, Gansu Province
Hall Title
追远堂 (Pi Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Pi Clan Ancestral Hall in Dunhuang — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Pi 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
耕读传家，忠厚继世 — Farming and learning pass through the family; loyalty and kindness continue.
Famous People with Surname Pi
Pi Rixiu (皮日休) — Tang Dynasty poet and essayist
Pi Xirui (皮锡瑞) — Qing Dynasty scholar of Confucian classics
Pi Pa (皮帕) — Modern Chinese actress and singer
Tone Compatibility
Pi (Pí) is a 2nd tone (rising) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and secure
vast and auspicious
ambition that soars
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 Pi
Your Pi Family Legend
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What does the surname Pi mean in Chinese?
The surname Pi (皮) literally means 'skin' or 'leather'. It conveys toughness and resilience, as skin protects the body. In ancient China, it was also associated with outer appearance and covering, symbolizing a protective nature.
Where does the Pi surname originate from?
The Pi surname originated from the state of Pi during the Zhou Dynasty, located in present-day Henan Province. The state was granted to a descendant of the royal Ji family, and later the name was adopted as a surname. It also has roots in the profession of leatherworking.
Who are some famous people with the surname Pi?
Famous people with the surname Pi include Pi Xirui (皮锡瑞), a Qing dynasty scholar known for his work on Confucian classics; Pi Pa (皮帕), a Chinese actress; and Pi Sheng (皮绳), a Tang dynasty poet.
What given names go well with the surname Pi?
Given names that pair well with Pi often emphasize strength or virtue, such as 'Wei' (伟, greatness) or 'Jian' (健, healthy). Names with a soft sound like 'An' (安, peace) can balance the surname's tough meaning. Avoid names that sound too harsh.