MaSurname
Mǎ
Ma (马) means 'horse' and symbolizes speed, strength, and loyalty. It represents energy, perseverance, and the noble qualities associated with horses in Chinese culture, such as endurance and service.
Population Ranking
#20
Estimated Over 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Sichuan, Shandong, Zhejiang
The ancient totem of 马 clan
Yangwen seal — 马
Five Element Analysis
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The Ma surname originated from the Zhao (赵) surname during the Warring States period. Descendants of Zhao She, a general who excelled in cavalry, adopted Ma as their surname. Another origin comes from minority groups who revered horses.
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 Ying-jeou (马英九) — Former President of Taiwan
Ma Chao (马超) — Han Dynasty general and warrior
Ma Sanli (马三立) — Renowned crosstalk (xiangsheng) performer
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname Ma mean?
The surname Ma (Mǎ) means: Ma (马) means 'horse' and symbolizes speed, strength, and loyalty. It represents energy, perseverance, and the noble qualities associated with horses in Chinese culture, such as endurance and service.
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 Zhao (赵) surname during the Warring States period. Descendants of Zhao She, a general who excelled in cavalry, adopted Ma as their surname. Another origin comes from minority groups who revered horses.
How common is the Ma surname?
The Ma surname is ranked #20 among Chinese surnames, with an estimated population of Over 1 million people.
Who are famous people with the Ma surname?
Notable people with the Ma surname include Ma Ying-jeou (马英九) — Former President of Taiwan, Ma Chao (马超) — Han Dynasty general and warrior, Ma Sanli (马三立) — Renowned crosstalk (xiangsheng) performer.
What element is associated with the Ma surname?
The Ma surname is associated with the Earth element in Chinese Five Element theory.
Tone Compatibility
Ma (Mǎ) is a 3rd tone (dipping) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
- 3-1-2
- 3-2-4
- 3-4-2
Patterns to Avoid
- 3-3-3 (three dips)
- 3-1-1 (abrupt)
Example Names with Ma
Your Ma Family Legend
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