30+ Chinese Surnames That Inspire a Journey Along the Great Wall

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Last names serve as a bridge to our ancestral heritage. In China, surnames carry a rich history that resonates through the ages. Notably, many surnames in Japan and Korea have origins in Chinese names as well. With over 4,000 surnames in contemporary China, the tradition of the “old hundred families” remains significant. Legend has it that the most common surnames can be traced back to 100 tribes from millennia ago, accounting for approximately 85 percent of the Chinese population today.

Here’s an overview of some well-known Chinese last names. While the characters may be identical in Mandarin and Cantonese, their romanization differs across the two dialects. Below, we explore each surname along with its romanization and meaning.

1. 黄
   Mandarin: Huang
   Cantonese: Wong
   Meaning: Yellow.
2. 林
   Mandarin: Lin
   Cantonese: Lam
   Meaning: Forest.
3. 张
   Mandarin: Chang
   Cantonese: Cheung
   Meaning: Expanding (in reference to the bowstring of an archer).
4. 孙
   Mandarin: Sun
   Cantonese: Suen
   Meaning: Grandson.
5. 郑
   Mandarin: Cheng
   Cantonese: Zeng/Cheng
   Meaning: Related to the ancient State of Zheng.
6. 萧
   Mandarin: Xiao
   Cantonese: Siu
   Meaning: Quiet.
7. 庄
   Mandarin: Chuang
   Cantonese: Tsong
   Meaning: Village, place of business, or farmstead.
8. 洪
   Mandarin: Hung
   Cantonese: Hung
   Meaning: Flood, vast or grand.
9. 李
   Mandarin: Li
   Cantonese: Lee
   Meaning: Plum.
10. 田
    Mandarin: T’ien
    Cantonese: Tin
    Meaning: Field.
11. 袁
    Mandarin: Yüan
    Cantonese: Yuen
    Meaning: Robe.
12. 任
    Mandarin: Jen
    Cantonese: Yam
    Meaning: Appoint.
13. 崔
    Mandarin: Ts’ui
    Cantonese: Chui
    Meaning: Towering.
14. 王
    Mandarin: Wang
    Cantonese: Wong
    Meaning: King.
15. 陈
    Mandarin: Ch’en
    Cantonese: Chan
    Meaning: Old or exhibit.
16. 杨
    Mandarin: Yang
    Cantonese: Yeung
    Meaning: Aspen tree.
17. 程
    Mandarin: Ch’eng
    Cantonese: Ching
    Meaning: Rule, procedure, or journey.
18. 沈
    Mandarin: Shen
    Cantonese: Shum/Sum/Sham
    Meaning: To sink.
19. 姜
    Mandarin: Chiang
    Cantonese: Keung
    Meaning: Ginger.
20. 谭
    Mandarin: T’an
    Cantonese: Tam
    Meaning: Talk.
21. 廖
    Mandarin: Liao
    Cantonese: Liu
    Meaning: Chat, kill, or slightly.
22. 韦
    Mandarin: Wei
    Cantonese: Wai
    Meaning: Leather.
23. 熊
    Mandarin: Hsiung
    Cantonese: Hung
    Meaning: Bear.
24. 龙
    Mandarin: Lung
    Cantonese: Lung/Long
    Meaning: Dragon.
25. 毛
    Mandarin: Mao
    Cantonese: Mo
    Meaning: Hair or fur.
26. 施
    Mandarin: Shih
    Cantonese: Si/Xi
    Meaning: Establish or reproduce.
27. 龚
    Mandarin: Kung
    Cantonese: Kung
    Meaning: Present or give.
28. 钱
    Mandarin: Ch’ien
    Cantonese: Chin
    Meaning: Money.
29. 孔
    Mandarin: K’ung
    Cantonese: Hung
    Meaning: Hole.
30. 常
    Mandarin: Ch’ang
    Cantonese: Sheung
    Meaning: Common.
31. 康
    Mandarin: Kang
    Cantonese: Hong
    Meaning: Healthy.

For further reading, you can explore more about home insemination techniques in our other blog post here. If you’re interested in understanding the medical aspects of pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers an excellent resource on treating infertility. Additionally, for those considering self-insemination options, check out Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo.

In summary, the exploration of these Chinese surnames not only reveals their meanings but also connects us to a rich cultural heritage. Each name tells a story, echoing the past while remaining relevant in today’s world.