施ShiSurname
Shī
Shi (施) means 'to give' or 'to bestow,' reflecting generosity and kindness. It is also associated with spreading blessings and charity.
Shī
Mainland China · Taiwan
Shek
Guangdong · Hong Kong
Sek
Fujian · Taiwan · SE Asia
Sak
Meizhou · Taiwan · SE Asia
Population Ranking
#105
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong
Five Element Analysis
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The Shi surname has multiple origins. One major source is from the state of Lu, where a descendant of Duke Hui of Lu took the character Shi from his title as a surname. Another origin is from the ancient Shi family of the Zhou Dynasty, who were officials in charge of bestowing gifts.
Surname Evolution
The Shi surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Shi clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Shi 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 (Shi Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Shi Clan Ancestral Hall in Nanyang — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Shi 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 Shi
Shi Naian (施耐庵) — author of the classic novel 'Water Margin'
Shi Lang (施琅) — Qing Dynasty admiral who conquered Taiwan
Shi Zhecun (施蛰存) — modern Chinese writer and translator
Tone Compatibility
Shi (Shī) is a 1st tone (high-level) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
bright and grand
vast and auspicious
bright as the 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 Shi
Your Shi Family Legend
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What does the surname Shi mean in Chinese?
Shi (施) means 'to give' or 'to bestow', reflecting generosity and kindness. It is also associated with spreading blessings and charity. The character combines a flag (方人) and 'also' (也), originally meaning 'to spread' or 'to extend'. It conveys a sense of philanthropy and altruism.
Where does the Shi surname originate from?
The Shi surname has multiple origins. One major source is from the state of Lu, where a descendant of Duke Hui of Lu adopted Shi as his surname. Another origin is from the Shi clan of the Shang Dynasty. Some also trace it to the legendary Emperor Huangdi. During the Zhou Dynasty, officials in charge of charity took the name.
Who are some famous people with the surname Shi?
Shi Kuang (Spring and Autumn period musician, known for his musical talents), Shi Naian (author of 'Water Margin'), Shi Yigong (biophysicist, president of Westlake University), and Shi Liang (actress, known for 'The Battle at Lake Changjin').
What given names go well with the surname Shi?
Given Shi's meaning of giving, names that evoke kindness or generosity are ideal. For example, Shi En (恩, 'grace') or Shi Hui (惠, 'benevolence') emphasize altruism. Names like Shi De (德, 'virtue') or Shi Ren (仁, 'humanity') also complement. Avoid names that are selfish or greedy.