100 Most Common Chinese Surnames or Last Names
A large number of families in China have common surnames, which are also referred to as last names. It is important to remember that surnames are unique since they are handed down from parents to children. It is similar to having a family name that allows you to connect with your siblings and cousins.
In China, 7.25 % of people have the surname 王 (Wáng), which makes it not only the most common surname in China but also the world. The character 王 means ‘king’. It’s made of three horizontal lines representing the sky, earth, and people, and a vertical line that connects them.
The following list will provide an overview of one hundred of the most prevalent Chinese surnames.
Most Used Family Names in Chinese Tradition
There have been 23,813 documented surnames in China’s history; 5,662 of them are still in use today. However, of these, the top 100 are incredibly prevalent, accounting for 85.9% of China’s 1.4 billion people. The number of individuals in China that have the same 10 last names is staggering: 596.3 million, or 42.9% of the population!
Here are the twenty most used surnames in China, according to a recent study from January 2024:
Last Name | Pinyin | Number of People (Million) |
---|---|---|
王 | Wáng | 101.5 |
李 | Lǐ | 100.9 |
张 | Zhāng | 95.4 |
刘 | Liú | 72.1 |
陈 | Chén | 63.3 |
杨 | Yáng | 46.2 |
黄 | Huáng | 33.7 |
赵 | Zhào | 28.6 |
吴 | Wú | 27.8 |
周 | Zhōu | 26.8 |
徐 | Xú | 20.2 |
孙 | Sūn | 19.4 |
马 | Mǎ | 19.1 |
朱 | Zhū | 18.1 |
胡 | Hú | 16.5 |
郭 | Guō | 15.8 |
何 | Hé | 14.8 |
林 | Lín | 14.2 |
罗 | Luó | 14.2 |
高 | Gāo | 14.1 |
List of 100 Most Common Chinese Surnames
This below list includes the 100 Chinese last name, and its Pinyin pronunciation:
No. | Chinese Last Name | Pinyin |
---|---|---|
1 | 李 | Lǐ |
2 | 王 | Wáng |
3 | 张 | Zhāng |
4 | 刘 | Liú |
5 | 陈 | Chén |
6 | 杨 | Yáng |
7 | 赵 | Zhào |
8 | 黄 | Huáng |
9 | 周 | Zhōu |
10 | 吴 | Wú |
11 | 徐 | Xú |
12 | 孙 | Sūn |
13 | 胡 | Hú |
14 | 朱 | Zhū |
15 | 高 | Gāo |
16 | 林 | Lín |
17 | 何 | Hé |
18 | 郭 | Guō |
19 | 马 | Mǎ |
20 | 罗 | Luó |
21 | 梁 | Liáng |
22 | 宋 | Sòng |
23 | 郑 | Zhèng |
24 | 谢 | Xiè |
25 | 韩 | Hán |
26 | 唐 | Táng |
27 | 冯 | Féng |
28 | 于 | Yú |
29 | 董 | Dǒng |
30 | 萧 | Xiāo |
31 | 程 | Chéng |
32 | 曹 | Cáo |
33 | 袁 | Yuán |
34 | 邓 | Dèng |
35 | 许 | Xǔ |
36 | 傅 | Fù |
37 | 沈 | Shěn |
38 | 曾 | Zēng |
39 | 彭 | Péng |
40 | 吕 | Lǚ |
41 | 苏 | Sū |
42 | 卢 | Lú |
43 | 蒋 | Jiǎng |
44 | 蔡 | Cài |
45 | 贾 | Jiǎ |
46 | 丁 | Dīng |
47 | 魏 | Wèi |
48 | 薛 | Xuē |
49 | 叶 | Yè |
50 | 阎 | Yán |
51 | 余 | Yú |
52 | 潘 | Pān |
53 | 杜 | Dù |
54 | 戴 | Dài |
55 | 夏 | Xià |
56 | 钟 | Zhōng |
57 | 汪 | Wāng |
58 | 田 | Tián |
59 | 任 | Rén |
60 | 姜 | Jiāng |
61 | 范 | Fàn |
62 | 方 | Fāng |
63 | 石 | Shí |
64 | 姚 | Yáo |
65 | 谭 | Tán |
66 | 盛 | Shèng |
67 | 邹 | Zōu |
68 | 熊 | Xióng |
69 | 金 | Jīn |
70 | 陆 | Lù |
71 | 郝 | Hǎo |
72 | 孔 | Kǒng |
73 | 白 | Bái |
74 | 崔 | Cuī |
75 | 康 | Kāng |
76 | 毛 | Máo |
77 | 邱 | Qiū |
78 | 秦 | Qín |
79 | 江 | Jiāng |
80 | 史 | Shǐ |
81 | 顾 | Gù |
82 | 侯 | Hóu |
83 | 邵 | Shào |
84 | 孟 | Mèng |
85 | 龙 | Lóng |
86 | 万 | Wàn |
87 | 段 | Duàn |
88 | 章 | Zhāng |
89 | 钱 | Qián |
90 | 汤 | Tāng |
91 | 尹 | Yǐn |
92 | 黎 | Lí |
93 | 易 | Yì |
94 | 常 | Cháng |
95 | 武 | Wǔ |
96 | 乔 | Qiáo |
97 | 贺 | Hè |
98 | 赖 | Lài |
99 | 龚 | Gōn |
100 | 欧阳 | Ōuyáng |
Cultural Significance of these Chinese Surnames
Each surname is not just a family marker but encapsulates historical depth, often connected to ancient Chinese dynasties, legends, or notable figures. These Surnames tells us about the ancient social structures, professions, geographical origins, and familial hierarchies. For instance,
- Liu (刘) – Linked to the Han dynasty and its founder Liu Bang, this surname symbolizes royal heritage and leadership, often associated with governance and authority in Chinese culture.
- Zhao (赵) – Originating from the state of Zhao, known for military strength and strategy during the Warring States period, this surname reflects nobility and strategic thinking.
- Zhou (周) – Tied to the long-lasting Zhou dynasty, the surname Zhou represents wisdom, culture, and the philosophical roots of Confucianism and Taoism.
- Wang (王) – Meaning ‘king’ or ‘ruler,’ Wang is a common surname that indicates connections to historic rulers and has been central to political and cultural leadership in China.
- Huang (黄) – Associated with the legendary Yellow Emperor, Huang Di, this surname signifies ancient origins, innovation, and a deep cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The 100 Most Common Chinese Surnames, we see a cool mix of history and family stories. Names like 李 (Lǐ) and 王 (Wáng) are super common and have deep roots in China’s past. Each last name has its own special background and helps people feel connected to their family’s history. This list is a great peek into how rich and varied Chinese culture is, showing the importance of Surnames in connecting folks to their heritage
Most Common Chinese Surnames or Last Names – FAQs
What are Chinese surnames or last names?
Chinese surnames are family names passed from one generation to another. They hold a special place in Chinese culture, connecting people through shared ancestry.
How many Chinese surnames are there?
There are thousands of Chinese surnames, but some are more common than others. This list focuses on the 100 most common ones, giving a glimpse into the diverse naming traditions.
Why are surnames important in Chinese culture?
Surnames in China are a way to preserve family history and ancestry. They carry the stories of generations, creating a sense of continuity and identity.
Are any of these Chinese surnames familiar?
Yes, some Chinese surnames might sound familiar, as Chinese culture has influenced the world. Names like Li, Wang, and Zhang are quite common.
How are Chinese surnames passed down?
Chinese surnames are typically passed down from parents to their children. It’s a way of linking each generation to its roots and maintaining a connection to family history.
Can a person have more than one Chinese surname?
In general, individuals have a single Chinese surname, but exceptions exist. Some might have a compound surname, combining two names for a unique family identifier.
Do these surnames have any special meanings?
Yes, many Chinese surnames have meanings or historical significance. For example, “Li” can mean plum, while “Wang” might refer to a king. Exploring these meanings adds depth to the understanding of Chinese culture.
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