In ancient China, surnames were deeply rooted in matriarchal clans, symbolizing a sense of belonging and identity. The character for surname, “姓”, is composed of “女” (woman) and “生” (birth), reflecting its matriarchal origins. As society transitioned to a patriarchal system, the concept of “氏” emerged, representing the paternal lineage.
The distinction between “姓” and “氏” was clear until the Qin and Han dynasties, when they gradually merged. Now, our surnames mostly trace back to the ancient “氏”.
Chinese surnames serve as a marker of familial lineage. They are inherited from ancestors and remain unchanged across generations, while “氏” could change reflecting one’s totem, fief, title, or occupation.
The richness of Chinese surnames is depicted in the variety of sources they derive from, including totem symbols, feudal state names, fief names, geographic positions, official titles, noble ranks, professions, and even adaptations from ethnic minorities. For instance, surnames like “马” (Ma, horse) and “牛” (Niu, cow) can be traced back to ancient totem beliefs.
The evolution of Chinese surnames mirrors the historical and social changes, embodying a rich cultural heritage. As recorded in the latest “Chinese Surnames Calligraphy Dictionary”, there are now 10,129 surnames in China, each carrying a unique story and significance.
