Last Name in Chinese: A Comprehensive Guide to Meaning and Origin

Looking for a unique and meaningful Chinese last name? Explore this extensive list of last names in Chinese, complete with detailed explanations of their origins and meanings. Whether you're researching your family history, searching for a character-driven name, or simply curious about Chinese naming traditions, this guide offers a wealth of information to satisfy your interest.
1. **王 (Wáng)**: King, ruler, sovereign. This is one of the most common Chinese last names, signifying authority and leadership.
2. **李 (Lǐ)**: Plum tree, plum fruit. Another prevalent name, often associated with beauty, resilience, and sweetness.
3. **张 (Zhāng)**: Spread out, expand, extend. Representing growth, prosperity, and open-mindedness.
4. **刘 (Liú)**: Flowing, current, running water. Symbolizing fluidity, adaptability, and resilience.
5. **陈 (Chén)**: Chen, a type of ancient Chinese pottery. Connoting longevity, tradition, and stability.
6. **杨 (Yáng)**: Willow tree, willow branch. Associated with grace, beauty, and adaptability.
7. **赵 (Zhào)**: Dynasty, imperial house. Evoking royalty, power, and influence.
8. **黄 (Huáng)**: Yellow, golden, imperial. Reflecting wealth, power, and auspiciousness.
9. **吴 (Wú)**: A state in ancient China. Indicating strength, independence, and territoriality.
10. **周 (Zhōu)**: A dynasty in ancient China. Signifying order, harmony, and cyclical renewal.
11. **徐 (Xú)**: Slow, gradual, deliberate. Representing patience, perseverance, and carefulness.
12. **孙 (Sūn)**: Grandson, descendant. Connoting family, lineage, and continuity.
13. **马 (Mǎ)**: Horse, equine. Symbolizing strength, speed, and freedom.
14. **胡 (Hú)**: A surname with several possible meanings, including “barbarian” and "wild." Represents independence, resilience, and a non-conformist spirit.
15. **郭 (Guō)**: Outer wall, fence. Symbolizing protection, security, and a strong foundation.
16. **林 (Lín)**: Forest, grove. Representing growth, abundance, and a connection to nature.
17. **何 (Hé)**: What, how, why. Connoting curiosity, intellectualism, and exploration.
18. **高 (Gāo)**: High, tall, elevated. Symbolizing ambition, achievement, and reaching for greatness.
19. **梁 (Liáng)**: Bridge, beam, framework. Representing connection, support, and stability.
20. **郑 (Zhèng)**: A state in ancient China. Indicating uprightness, righteousness, and integrity.
21. **谢 (Xiè)**: Thank, decline, gratitude. Representing politeness, humility, and acknowledging kindness.
22. **韩 (Hán)**: A state in ancient China. Signifying strength, leadership, and resilience.
23. **曹 (Cáo)**: A surname with several possible meanings, including "weeds" and "grass." Represents adaptability, growth, and resilience.
24. **曾 (Zēng)**: Once, formerly, previously. Connoting past experiences, heritage, and ancestral lineage.
25. **邓 (Dèng)**: A surname with several possible meanings, including “hill” and "cliff." Represents strength, perseverance, and a connection to the earth.
26. **彭 (Péng)**: A surname with several possible meanings, including “swell” and "expand." Represents growth, prosperity, and ambition.
27. **萧 (Xiāo)**: Willow tree, willow branch. Associated with elegance, grace, and tranquility.
28. **田 (Tián)**: Field, land, agriculture. Representing abundance, prosperity, and a connection to nature.
29. **冯 (Féng)**: A surname with several possible meanings, including "bird" and "phoenix." Represents freedom, aspiration, and renewal.
30. **于 (Yú)**: At, in, to. Representing location, connection, and belonging.
31. **叶 (Yè)**: Leaf, foliage, branch. Symbolizing growth, renewal, and a connection to nature.
32. **朱 (Zhū)**: Vermilion, red, cinnabar. Representing prosperity, power, and auspiciousness.
33. **秦 (Qín)**: A dynasty in ancient China. Signifying strength, power, and imperial authority.
34. **魏 (Wèi)**: A state in ancient China. Indicating resilience, strength, and independence.
35. **施 (Shī)**: Give, bestow, grant. Representing generosity, kindness, and philanthropic actions.
36. **贾 (Jiǎ)**: Merchant, businessman, trader. Connoting wealth, success, and enterprise.
37. **陆 (Lù)**: Land, ground, continent. Representing stability, foundation, and a connection to the earth.
38. **孟 (Mèng)**: Elder, firstborn, oldest. Symbolizing leadership, responsibility, and guidance.
39. **潘 (Pān)**: A surname with several possible meanings, including "basin" and "bowl." Represents abundance, hospitality, and generosity.
40. **白 (Bái)**: White, pure, clean. Representing innocence, purity, and clarity.