Orient Name › Surnames

Chinese surnames, explained one by one

357 surnames, each with strokes, commonness and how easy it is to say — pick the one you like, then build a name on it.

AllNature (20)Strength (6)Colour & metal (6)Light (3)Virtue & peace (5)Letters & craft (5)Dynasty heritage (6)Ancient lineage (9)
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刘 Liu 94 / 100

The imperial surname of the Han dynasty — one of China's most influential ruling families.

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周 Zhou 85.7 / 100

completeness, thoughtfulness

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张 Zhang 85.5 / 100

One of the 'big three' surnames; traced to the legendary archer and celestial official Zhang Baobai.

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李 Li 94.6 / 100

One of the most common Chinese surnames, with legendary roots dating to the sage Laozi (Li Er).

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杨 Yang 94.6 / 100

tall and upright

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王 Wang 98.5 / 100

Royal, noble, leader

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赵 Zhao 84.4 / 100

First surname in the Hundred Family Surnames; imperial surname of the Song dynasty.

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陈 Chen 85.7 / 100

Originating from the ancient State of Chen (modern Henan), a surname rich in cultural heritage.

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黄 Huang 81.8 / 100

A large southern Chinese surname whose bearers include great physicians and revolutionaries.

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吴 Wu 94.2 / 100

Originating from the ancient State of Wu in the Jiangnan region, prominent in arts and business.

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于 Yu 95.6 / 100

A surname meaning 'at', traced to the ancient state of Yu, common in Shandong.

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曾 Zeng 77.6 / 100

A surname traced to Confucius' disciple Zeng Shen, emphasizing filial piety and learning.

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马 Ma 95.6 / 100

A surname meaning 'horse', with a strong presence in Islamic and Hui communities.

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高 Gao 87.8 / 100

Noble, lofty, aspiring

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罗 Luo 87.4 / 100

A structured and expansive spirit, gathering beauty and orde

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林 Lin 89 / 100

a forest — vitality and growth

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韩 Han 83.8 / 100

ancient state name, symbol of foundation and strength

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何 He 89.9 / 100

A surname meaning 'to carry', traced to ancient nobility of the Zhou dynasty.

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许 Xu 83.2 / 100

Promise, hope

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谢 Xie 75.4 / 100

An aristocratic surname of the Eastern Jin, famed for its poets and calligraphers.

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唐 Tang 85.3 / 100

grand, magnificent, noble

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孙 Sun 90.5 / 100

A surname of strategists; also borne by the founder of the Republic of China.

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梁 Liang 80.6 / 100

A symbol of strength and support, like a beam that holds up

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程 Cheng 73.6 / 100

a path to success

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胡 Hu 86.6 / 100

A surname originating from the ancient state of Hu, now common in Anhui and Jiangxi.

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宋 Song 88.8 / 100

A legacy of culture and stability

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曹 Cao 76 / 100

Talented and outstanding

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朱 Zhu 82.5 / 100

vermilion, sincere

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郭 Guo 81.7 / 100

A surname associated with the ancient state of Guo, strong in the north of China.

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徐 Xu 77 / 100

Graceful and composed

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邓 Deng 91.1 / 100

A legacy of ancient heritage and steadfastness.

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郑 Zheng 76.7 / 100

Dignified and principled, inspiring trust and respect.

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冯 Feng 90.7 / 100

A surname with roots in the Zhou dynasty, spread across northern China.

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吕 Lyu 89.4 / 100

A surname of the legendary statesman Lü Shang (Jiang Ziya), strong in Shandong.

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彭 Peng 81.6 / 100

great and powerful

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袁 Yuan 84.2 / 100

Profound and far-reaching

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沈 Shen 84.7 / 100

A surname with a rich literary tradition, strong in the Jiangnan region.

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萧 Xiao 71.7 / 100

Elegant and composed, with a free-spirited detachment.

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董 Dong 79.9 / 100

One who governs with virtue and integrity

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万 Wan 90.6 / 100

A surname meaning 'ten thousand', from the ancient state of Wan.

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傅 Fu 80.2 / 100

A guiding teacher or assistant

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金 Jin 82.3 / 100

Precious, shining, noble

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钱 Qian 73.3 / 100

A surname of scholars and financiers; the Qian family produced many Nobel-winning scientists.

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任 Ren 80 / 100

Responsibility and reliability

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段 Duan 83.7 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Duan, associated with the scholar Duan Yucai.

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史 Shi 85.5 / 100

A keeper of records and wisdom

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常 Chang 71.6 / 100

lasting and steadfast

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文 Wen 89.8 / 100

Letters and refinement — learning worn lightly.

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方 Fang 89.5 / 100

Integrity and righteousness

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毛 Mao 89.5 / 100

A surname from the Zhou dynasty's Mao state, borne by the founder of modern China.

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白 Bai 88.2 / 100

A surname meaning 'white', from the ancient Chu state, associated with the poet Bai Juyi.

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龙 Long 88.2 / 100

Majestic and auspicious symbol of power

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戴 Dai 72.2 / 100

To honor and be honored

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苏 Su 83.9 / 100

A surname of celebrated writers; Su Dongpo remains one of China's most loved poets.

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余 Yu 84.9 / 100

surplus and prosperity

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易 Yi 83.6 / 100

Symbolizes adaptability and approachable nature.

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钟 Zhong 73.1 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Zhong, associated with the great calligrapher Zhong Yao.

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丁 Ding 88.4 / 100

robust and vital

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叶 Ye 87.1 / 100

A surname meaning 'leaf', from the ancient state of Ye in today's Henan.

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尹 Yin 88.4 / 100

A surname meaning 'governor', one of the oldest official titles in Chinese history.

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廖 Liao 73.5 / 100

A surname meaning 'vast', from the ancient state of Liao, common in southern China.

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田 Tian 85.2 / 100

fertile land and harvest

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石 Shi 84.1 / 100

A surname from the Spring and Autumn period, meaning 'stone', solid and enduring.

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邱 Qiu 75 / 100

A surname meaning 'hill', a variant of Qiu (丘), common in Guangdong and Fujian.

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邵 Shao 81.5 / 100

A surname from the Zhou dynasty's Shao state, associated with the Duke of Shao.

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邹 Zou 76.9 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Zou, birthplace of Mencius.

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郝 Hao 81.9 / 100

A surname from the ancient Taihao clan, common in Shanxi and Hebei.

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龚 Gong 79.3 / 100

A surname meaning 'respect', from the ancient Gong state.

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夏 Xia 72.6 / 100

High summer — warmth, energy and flourishing life.

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江 Jiang 79 / 100

Broad and majestic river

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汤 Tang 85.4 / 100

A surname linked to the founder of the Shang dynasty, King Tang.

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贾 Jia 77.2 / 100

A surname meaning 'merchant', from the ancient state of Jia.

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陆 Lu 84.1 / 100

Solid and grounded like the earth

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雷 Lei 76.3 / 100

A surname meaning 'thunder', associated with the selfless soldier Lei Feng.

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乔 Qiao 75.6 / 100

Symbolizing towering strength and distinguished character.

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杜 Du 83.8 / 100

Strong and resolute

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熊 Xiong 59.5 / 100

A surname meaning 'bear', from the royal house of the ancient Chu state.

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范 Fan 81.2 / 100

a model, exemplar, or style

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蔡 Cai 65.8 / 100

Vitality and wisdom

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卢 Lu 86 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Lu, prominent in the Tang dynasty.

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孔 Kong 87.3 / 100

The surname of Confucius, China's greatest sage — a name of profound cultural weight.

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康 Kang 78.2 / 100

well-being and peace

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武 Wu 82.1 / 100

martial spirit

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蒋 Jiang 70.5 / 100

Symbolizing a water plant and commendation.

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赖 Lai 75.6 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Lai, common in Guangdong and Taiwan.

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崔 Cui 70.3 / 100

Tall and majestic like a mountain.

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秦 Qin 71.6 / 100

ancient Chinese state/dynasty; power and unity

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贺 He 80.5 / 100

joyful blessing

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顾 Gu 79.2 / 100

A surname from the ancient State of Gu, prominent in the Jiangnan literati world.

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魏 Wei 70.1 / 100

Greatness and majesty

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侯 Hou 80.1 / 100

Marquis, honorable, dignified

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姜 Jiang 73.6 / 100

An ancient surname tracing to the legendary Yandi (Flame Emperor), one of China's oldest families.

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谭 Tan 73.6 / 100

Profound conversation and broad wisdom

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黎 Li 72.3 / 100

Light, hope, new beginning

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孟 Meng 81 / 100

First-born, beginning, diligent

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汪 Wang 82.3 / 100

vast and deep

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潘 Pan 71.9 / 100

Elegance and virtue like Pan An

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薛 Xue 59.8 / 100

A quiet and resilient plant, symbolizing natural elegance an

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姚 Yao 79.4 / 100

Graceful and beautiful

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阎 Yan 76.1 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Yan, common in Shaanxi and Shanxi.

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上官 Shangguan 69.4 / 100

A noble surname meaning 'high official', from the Chu royal family.

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元 Yuan 80.8 / 100

beginning, fundamental, vitality

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单于 Chanyu 68.6 / 100

independent, simple, unique

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向 Xiang 67.2 / 100

Moving toward a bright future

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和 He 75.6 / 100

harmony and gentleness — peace

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国 Guo 73.7 / 100

Country and commonwealth — breadth of mind and responsibility.

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子车 Ziju 73.2 / 100

An honorific for the learned — respect and cultivation.

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成 Cheng 67.8 / 100

Accomplishment and achievement

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时 Shi 73.9 / 100

A surname from the Spring and Autumn period, associated with the Chu state.

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段干 Duangan 65.3 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Wei, associated with the philosopher Laozi's lineage.

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百里 Baili 74.1 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Yu, linked to the great minister Baili Xi.

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米 Mi 78.2 / 100

A surname from Central Asian Sogdian merchants, meaning 'rice'.

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西门 Ximen 70.7 / 100

A surname meaning 'west gate', associated with the wise official Ximen Bao.

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路 Lu 69.1 / 100

A surname meaning 'road', from the ancient state of Lu.

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车 Che 73.2 / 100

A surname meaning 'cart', from the ancient state of Che.

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连 Lian 73.7 / 100

A surname meaning 'linked', from the ancient state of Lian.

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闻人 Wenren 76.2 / 100

well-informed and wise

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乐正 Yuezheng 71.2 / 100

Happiness and optimism

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关 Guan 77.9 / 100

A surname meaning 'gate', forever linked with the warrior god Guan Yu.

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南门 Nanmen 74.8 / 100

A surname meaning 'south gate', from the ancient office of gatekeeper.

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管 Guan 67.5 / 100

A surname meaning 'tube', associated with the great statesman Guan Zhong.

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花 Hua 75.3 / 100

A poetic surname meaning 'flower', borne by the legendary heroine Hua Mulan.

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谈 Tan 72.7 / 100

A surname from the ancient Tan state, associated with the Zhou dynasty.

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鲜于 Xianyu 60.1 / 100

Freshness and vitality

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东方 Dongfang 73.8 / 100

The east where the sun rises — hope and leadership.

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公西 Gongxi 76.5 / 100

justice and impartiality

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包 Bao 78.8 / 100

A surname meaning 'to wrap', forever linked with the incorruptible judge Bao Zheng.

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单 Shan 71.9 / 100

independent, simple, unique

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司马 Sima 80.1 / 100

One who presides with order

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山 Shan 77.1 / 100

strength, stability and grandeur

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微生 Weisheng 64.4 / 100

Delicate and profound insight

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明 Ming 74.9 / 100

Bright and clear-sighted — wisdom without murk.

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长孙 Zhangsun 65.1 / 100

A noble surname meaning 'eldest grandson', prominent in the Sui and Tang courts.

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项 Xiang 62.6 / 100

A surname meaning 'neck', forever linked with the tragic hero Xiang Yu.

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安 An 77.2 / 100

peace and safety — tranquility

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左 Zuo 69 / 100

A surname meaning 'left', from the ancient state of Zuo, associated with the general Zuo Zongtang.

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查 Zha 65.7 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Zha, borne by the novelist Jin Yong.

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牛 Niu 77.9 / 100

A surname meaning 'ox', symbol of diligence and strength.

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班 Ban 72 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Ban, associated with the historian Ban Gu.

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通 Tong 70.7 / 100

Unobstructed and insightful

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钟离 Zhongli 54.4 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Zhongli, associated with the immortal Zhongli Quan.

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东郭 Dongguo 63.9 / 100

The east where the sun rises — hope and leadership.

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华 Hua 76.8 / 100

Radiance and brilliance — talent that shines.

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南宫 Nangong 63.7 / 100

a grand residence, symbolizing nobility

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古 Gu 78.1 / 100

timeless and classical

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太叔 Taishu 73.7 / 100

A surname from the Zhou royal family's ranks of princes.

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巴 Ba 79.4 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Ba, in today's Chongqing.

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平 Ping 78.1 / 100

Peaceful and fair

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归海 Guihai 70.6 / 100

Return to one's true nature

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房 Fang 74.2 / 100

A surname meaning 'house', from the ancient state of Fang, associated with the chancellor Fang Xuanling.

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欧 Ou 74.2 / 100

a lyrical song or poem

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淳于 Chunyu 64 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Chunyu, associated with the physician Chunyu Yi.

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费 Fei 72.9 / 100

A surname meaning 'to spend', from the ancient state of Fei.

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赫连 Helian 61.4 / 100

Represents brilliance and eminence, shining with great glory

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边 Bian 74.9 / 100

A surname meaning 'border', from the ancient state of Bian.

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鱼 Yu 74.2 / 100

A surname meaning 'fish', from the ancient state of Yu.

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伊 Yi 76.4 / 100

elegant, charming

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司空 Sikong 72.3 / 100

One who presides with order

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封 Feng 72.5 / 100

A surname meaning 'to seal', from the ancient state of Feng.

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尚 Shang 69.3 / 100

Noble character and refined taste

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步 Bu 75.1 / 100

A surname meaning 'step', from the ancient state of Bu.

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盖 Ge 69.9 / 100

A surname pronounced 'ge', meaning 'cover', associated with the swordsman Gai Nie.

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祝 Zhu 63.6 / 100

Good wishes and happiness

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章 Zhang 60.8 / 100

A well-organized and talented person

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蓝 Lan 66 / 100

A surname meaning 'indigo blue', common among southern minority peoples.

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解 Xie 59.7 / 100

A surname pronounced 'xie', from the ancient state of Xie, associated with the brilliant scholar Xie Jin.

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万俟 Moqi 74.5 / 100

A Xianbei noble surname from the Northern Wei dynasty.

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佟 Tong 74.8 / 100

A surname of the Manchu nobility, associated with the actor Tong Dawei.

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俞 Yu 72.2 / 100

A surname linked to ancient medicine; Yu the physician was a legendary healer.

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倪 Ni 70.9 / 100

A surname from the ancient Zhu state, associated with Confucius' disciple Yan Hui's lineage.

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公孙 Gongsun 71.3 / 100

justice and impartiality

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兰 Lan 77.4 / 100

The orchid — quiet elegance and a reputation that carries.

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印 Yin 76.1 / 100

deep impression, trust, distinctive character

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吉 Ji 73 / 100

Good fortune and auspiciousness

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商牟 Shangmou 61 / 100

A rare surname from the ancient Shang and Mou regions.

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壤驷 Rangsi 52.7 / 100

The surname of Confucius' disciple Rangsi Chi.

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姬 Ji 67.8 / 100

The royal surname of the Zhou dynasty, one of the oldest Chinese surnames.

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季 Ji 70.4 / 100

Season, time, growth

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宫 Gong 72.2 / 100

a grand residence, symbolizing nobility

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巫马 Wuma 76.6 / 100

The surname of Confucius' disciple Wuma Shi.

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扈 Hu 69.6 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Hu, associated with the Xia dynasty minister.

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晏 Yan 70.9 / 100

A serene, clear sky at dusk symbolizes calm and harmony.

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柯 Ke 72.2 / 100

A branch stands upright, symbolizing integrity and resilienc

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栾 Luan 70.9 / 100

Symbolizes firmness and uprightness, like the luan tree.

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樊 Fan 64.4 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Fan, associated with the Han dynasty general Fan Kuai.

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欧阳 Ouyang 70.9 / 100

a lyrical song or poem

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游 You 68.3 / 100

A surname meaning 'to swim', from the ancient state of You.

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湛 Zhan 60.7 / 100

Clear and profound, symbolizing wisdom and talent.

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滕 Teng 64.4 / 100

A surname from the ancient State of Teng, in modern Shandong.

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澹台 Tantai 63.6 / 100

Serene and unperturbed, like still waters.

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濮 Pu 61.8 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Pu, in today's Shandong.

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濮阳 Puyang 61.6 / 100

A surname from the ancient city of Puyang, in today's Henan province.

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牟 Mou 76.1 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Mou, in today's Shandong.

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狄 Di 74.8 / 100

A surname of the northern Di peoples, later a noble family in the Tang dynasty.

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甄 Zhen 59.4 / 100

A surname meaning 'to examine', from the ancient state of Zhen.

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瞿 Qu 54.2 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Qu, associated with the revolutionary Qu Qiubai.

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祁 Qi 68.5 / 100

A surname meaning 'great', from the Jin dynasty noble families.

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端木 Duanmu 66.8 / 100

righteous and principled

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竺 Zhu 65.9 / 100

A surname meaning 'bamboo', associated with the meteorologist Zhu Kezhen.

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翟 Zhai 58.1 / 100

A surname from the ancient state of Zhai, common in Hebei and Shandong.

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