Most Common Chinese Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for a comprehensive list of the most common Chinese last names? Look no further! This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the top 40 most prevalent surnames in China, along with their fascinating meanings and historical significance. Whether you're studying Chinese culture, learning about your family heritage, or simply curious about the diversity of Chinese names, this list offers valuable insight into the rich tapestry of Chinese surnames.
1. **Wang (王):** King, ruler, sovereign, authority, dominance
2. **Li (李):** Plum tree, plum blossom, prosperous, abundance, success
3. **Zhang (张):** Open, spread out, extend, expansive, generous
4. **Liu (刘):** Flowing, running water, smooth, continuous, constant
5. **Chen (陈):** Dust, sediment, ancient, historical, long-standing
6. **Yang (杨):** Willow tree, graceful, elegant, gentle, yielding
7. **Huang (黄):** Yellow, golden, noble, imperial, prestigious
8. **Zhao (赵):** To summon, invite, call upon, gather, assemble
9. **Wu (吴):** Five, number five, multiple, abundant, diverse
10. **Zhou (周):** Circle, cycle, complete, perfect, harmony
11. **Xu (徐):** Slow, gradual, leisurely, calm, peaceful
12. **Sun (孙):** Grandson, descendant, heir, legacy, continuation
13. **Ma (马):** Horse, fast, powerful, strong, valiant
14. **Zhu (朱):** Vermilion, red, bright, auspicious, lucky
15. **Hu (胡):** Barbarian, foreign, wild, uncivilized, independent
16. **Lin (林):** Forest, grove, woods, abundant, lush
17. **Guo (郭):** Outer wall, border, defense, protection, security
18. **He (何):** What, why, how, questioning, seeking
19. **Gao (高):** Tall, high, lofty, superior, noble
20. **Liang (梁):** Beam, bridge, support, foundation, stability
21. **Cheng (程):** Process, procedure, journey, progress, development
22. **Zheng (郑):** Correct, right, proper, just, righteous
23. **Wang (王):** King, ruler, sovereign, authority, dominance
24. **Han (韩):** Korea, Korean, strong, powerful, influential
25. **Tang (唐):** Tang dynasty, flourishing, prosperous, successful
26. **Feng (冯):** Phoenix, mythical bird, auspicious, lucky, blessed
27. **Yu (于):** To be, to exist, to have, possession, belonging
28. **Xiong (熊):** Bear, brave, powerful, fierce, courageous
29. **Dai (戴):** To wear, to put on, to carry, to bear, to support
30. **Li (李):** Plum tree, plum blossom, prosperous, abundance, success
31. **Ye (叶):** Leaf, foliage, flourishing, prosperous, growing
32. **Jiang (蒋):** Jiang dynasty, prosperous, flourishing, successful
33. **Shen (沈):** Sink, immerse, calm, peaceful, serene
34. **Cai (蔡):** To nourish, to nurture, to raise, to cultivate
35. **Pan (潘):** Full, complete, abundant, plentiful, prosperous
36. **Lu (陆):** Land, continent, earth, solid, stable
37. **Wei (魏):** Mighty, powerful, strong, influential, commanding
38. **Jia (贾):** Merchant, businessman, trade, commerce, exchange
39. **Xiao (肖):** Resemble, similar, like, akin, resembling
40. **Yan (严):** Strict, severe, rigorous, disciplined, formal