Hundred Surnames

Author: Zhou Wei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: "Surname" is a single word in modern Chinese, but before the Qin and Han dynasties, "surname" () and "clan name" () had distinct meanings. "Surname" originated from matriarchal society, indicating bloodline relationships within the same maternal lineage. Therefore, the oldest surnames in China are mostly composed of characters related to "woman," such as Jiang, Ji, Si, Yao, Ying, and Gu. Many surnames derive from the names of villages or tribal affiliations. "Clan name" emerged after the establishment of patriarchal society. "Clan name" is a title used by ancient nobility to denote the system of clan lineage, primarily identifying paternal bloodline relationships. These clan names often originated from fiefdoms, titles, official positions, or posthumous honors granted for achievements.