Last Names in Chinese: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Surnames

Are you curious about the diverse world of Chinese last names? This guide delves into the fascinating meanings and origins behind some of the most prevalent Chinese surnames. Unravel the rich history and cultural significance of these names, offering insights into their unique characteristics and how they reflect the cultural landscape of China. Discover the captivating stories behind each surname, from ancient legends to modern interpretations.
1. **Wang (王):** King, ruler, authority, powerful, prestigious
2. **Li (李):** Plum tree, graceful, intelligent, prosperous, abundant
3. **Zhang (张):** Net, open, wide, expansive, welcoming
4. **Liu (刘):** Flow, stream, smooth, continuous, flexible
5. **Chen (陈):** Dust, ancient, established, experienced, traditional
6. **Yang (杨):** Willow tree, gentle, elegant, kind, compassionate
7. **Huang (黄):** Yellow, golden, precious, noble, respected
8. **Zhao (赵):** Call, invite, summon, welcome, hospitable
9. **Wu (吴):** Five, multiple, abundant, versatile, skillful
10. **Zhou (周):** Round, complete, perfect, cyclical, harmonious
11. **Xu (徐):** Slow, gentle, steady, patient, reliable
12. **Sun (孙):** Grandson, descendant, successor, legacy, heritage
13. **Ma (马):** Horse, powerful, energetic, swift, spirited
14. **Zhu (朱):** Vermilion, red, bright, auspicious, vibrant
15. **Hu (胡):** Barbarian, foreigner, adventurous, independent, free-spirited
16. **Lin (林):** Forest, dense, abundant, lush, tranquil
17. **Guo (郭):** Outer wall, boundary, protection, defense, secure
18. **He (何):** What, why, question, curious, inquisitive
19. **Gao (高):** Tall, high, lofty, elevated, outstanding
20. **Tang (唐):** Sugar, sweet, delicious, enjoyable, delightful
21. **Xie (谢):** Thank, gratitude, appreciation, politeness, respectful
22. **Han (韩):** Cold, chilly, austere, disciplined, strong-willed
23. **Zheng (郑):** Correct, right, just, honest, principled
24. **Wang (汪):** Pool, pond, calm, serene, tranquil
25. **Feng (冯):** Phoenix, mythical bird, auspicious, majestic, prosperous
26. **Yu (于):** At, in, location, place, position
27. **Jiang (蒋):** River, flowing, dynamic, powerful, persistent
28. **Shen (沈):** Sink, settle, quiet, peaceful, introspective
29. **Cai (蔡):** Vegetable, plant, growth, prosperity, abundance
30. **Pan (潘):** Basin, container, holding, embracing, protective
31. **Lu (陆):** Land, earth, solid, grounded, stable
32. **Wei (魏):** Mighty, strong, powerful, dominant, influential
33. **Jia (贾):** Commerce, trade, business, wealth, success
34. **Yan (严):** Strict, severe, disciplined, orderly, controlled
35. **Song (宋):** Pine tree, evergreen, strong, resilient, enduring
36. **Chen (程):** Process, procedure, path, journey, progress
37. **Li (陆):** Land, earth, solid, grounded, stable
38. **Li (李):** Plum tree, graceful, intelligent, prosperous, abundant
39. **Liang (梁):** Beam, bridge, connection, support, stability
40. **Zhou (周):** Round, complete, perfect, cyclical, harmonious