In Chinese surname culture, surnames composed of two characters are known as "compound surnames" (复姓), which, like pearls scattered throughout the long river of history, though few in number, shine with unique cultural brilliance.
In China, over 90% of the population uses single-character surnames, such as Li, Wang, Zhang, and Liu. However, among a population of approximately 1.4 billion, millions still carry compound surnames. According to 2020 statistics from China's Ministry of Public Security, the largest compound surname, "Ouyang," has about 1.112 million people, a number exceeding the total population of many small European countries. Compound surnames are not just names; they carry stories of family honor, historical changes, and ethnic integration.
Compound surnames have diverse and fascinating origins: some stem from ancient official positions (e.g., Sima, Situ), some from fiefdoms or residences (e.g., Ximen, Nangong), some record the history of ethnic integration (e.g., Murong, Yuwen), and others directly trace back to the origins of Chinese civilization (e.g., Xuanyuan, the surname of the Yellow Emperor). For foreign friends learning Chinese or looking to choose a Chinese name for themselves, understanding compound surnames can not only help you better grasp Chinese history and literature but also potentially find a Chinese name that matches your English surname and has profound meaning.
Let's delve into these unique two-character surnames and explore the legendary stories behind them.
In-depth Analysis of China's Top Ten Compound Surnames
Among China's dozens of compound surnames, ten are particularly prominent—either due to their large population base, their fame through historical figures, or their rich cultural connotations. Let's take a closer look at these top ten compound surnames.
1. Zhuge (诸葛) — A Symbol of Wisdom and Loyalty
When mentioning the surname Zhuge, the widely known figure is the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang from the Three Kingdoms period. However, the origin of the Zhuge surname can be traced back to much older history.
Origin Story: The Zhuge surname primarily originated from the Cong surname. Legend has it that after the state of Cong Bo, a descendant of Fuxi, was destroyed, a branch of the Cong clan migrated from Zhucheng, Shandong, to Yangdu (present-day Yinan, Shandong). To distinguish themselves from the local existing Cong clan, they called themselves "Zhuge Cong," meaning "Cong clan from Zhucheng." Another theory suggests that General Cong Ying, a great general at the end of the Qin Dynasty, made numerous contributions to Chen Sheng's uprising but was killed by Ji. Emperor Wen of Han, commemorating his achievements, enfeoffed his grandson as Marquis of Zhuxian, and his descendants subsequently adopted Zhuge Cong as their surname.
Famous Figures:
- Zhuge Liang (181-234): Courtesy name Kongming, Chancellor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, hailed as the "Sage of Wisdom." His "Longzhong Plan" formulated the strategy for Liu Bei to establish a tripartite kingdom, he allied with Wu against Cao in the Battle of Red Cliffs, and launched six northern expeditions from Qishan. His famous saying, "To exert oneself to the utmost, till death does one part," became a model of loyal service.
- Zhuge Jin: Zhuge Liang's elder brother, a Grand General of Eastern Wu, deeply trusted by Sun Quan, and an important pillar of Eastern Wu.
Historical Story: "Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage" is one of China's most famous historical stories. In 207 AD, Liu Bei personally visited Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage in Longzhong three times to invite him to serve, demonstrating his eagerness and respect for talent. Zhuge Liang's wisdom helped Liu Bei establish the Shu Han regime; although he ultimately did not achieve the ideal of unifying the Central Plains, his loyalty and strategizing became qualities admired by later generations.
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is Wise, Smart, Bright, or any name related to wisdom, Zhuge is an excellent choice. It not only represents wisdom but also conveys loyalty and dedication.
2. Ouyang (欧阳) — The Most Populous Compound Surname
Ouyang is the most populous compound surname in contemporary China, with approximately 1.112 million people. Its origin can be traced back to China's ancient Xia Dynasty.
Origin Story: The ancestors of King Goujian of Yue came from the Si clan (the surname of Yu the Great of the Xia Dynasty). During the Warring States period, King Wujiang of Yue was conquered by Chu. His descendants were enfeoffed south of Ouyu Mountain in Wucheng (present-day Huzhou, Zhejiang), as Marquis of Ouyang Pavilion. Their descendants subsequently adopted "Ouyang" as their surname. This surname has a history of over two thousand years.
Famous Figures:
- Ouyang Xiu (1007-1072): A Northern Song Dynasty politician and litterateur, one of the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties, who led the poetic and prose reform movement of the Northern Song, advocating that literature should carry moral principles. He is known for works like "The Tale of the Drunken Old Man's Pavilion."
- Ouyang Xun: A Tang Dynasty calligrapher, one of the Four Great Masters of Regular Script, who founded the famous "Ouyang Style" calligraphy, known for its rigorous structure and strong, angular strokes, profoundly influencing later calligraphy.
Historical Significance: The Ouyang surname has produced numerous cultural figures and scholars in Chinese history, especially in the fields of calligraphy and literature. Ouyang Xiu's prose writing style influenced generations of Chinese literati, and his "The Tale of the Drunken Old Man's Pavilion" is still recited with its famous line, "The joy of the Drunken Old Man is not in the wine, but in the mountains and rivers."
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is Wright, Mason, or any name related to art and literature, Ouyang is a good choice. It represents cultural refinement and artistic accomplishment.
3. Shangguan (上官) — A Symbol of Female Power
The Shangguan surname is renowned for an extraordinary woman, Shangguan Wan'er of the Tang Dynasty.
Origin Story: During the Spring and Autumn period, King Huai of Chu enfeoffed his youngest son, Lan, as the Grand Master of Shangguan邑 (present-day Binzhou, Henan), and his descendants adopted the name of the fiefdom "Shangguan" as their surname. This is a typical example of a surname derived from a fiefdom.
Famous Figures:
- Shangguan Yi: A minister during Emperor Taizong's reign in the Tang Dynasty, a famous poet whose poetry was ornate in style.
- Shangguan Wan'er (664-710): Granddaughter of Shangguan Yi, a female official and poet during the Tang Dynasty, known as the "Cabinet Minister in Skirts." She entered the palace at a young age, possessed outstanding talent, once managed the composition of imperial edicts, participated in court affairs, and wielded great power during the reigns of Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Zhongzong. Her literary salon gathered a large number of literati and greatly influenced the development of Tang Dynasty literature.
Historical Story: Shangguan Wan'er's life was full of legends. Shortly after her birth, her grandfather Shangguan Yi was executed for opposing Wu Zetian, and her entire family suffered, with her and her mother being sent to the palace as slaves. However, with her exceptional talent, she gradually won the trust of Wu Zetian, becoming the empress's secretary and advisor. During Emperor Zhongzong's reign, she was granted the title of Zhaorong, a rank equivalent to an imperial concubine, holding immense power. She was not only a politician but also an excellent poet, whose poetry style was elegant and refined.
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is Royal, Noble, Officer, or any name related to official positions or aristocracy, Shangguan is an elegant choice. It conveys status and talent.
4. Sima (司马) — The Interweaving of Historiography and Politics
The Sima surname is one of the most politically influential compound surnames in ancient China, having established the unified Western Jin Dynasty.
Origin Story: Sima originated from an official title. During the Western Zhou Dynasty, Cheng Bo Xiufu served as "Sima" (a high-ranking official in charge of military affairs), and his descendants adopted the official title as their surname. Another origin came from General Sima Rangju of the Qi state during the Spring and Autumn period. In 266 AD, Sima Yan established the Western Jin Dynasty, and Sima became the imperial surname.
Famous Figures:
- Sima Qian (c. 145 BC - c. 86 BC): A Western Han historian, author of China's first biographical general history, "Records of the Grand Historian," which chronicled about three millennia of history from the Yellow Emperor to Emperor Wu of Han. Lu Xun praised it as "the grandest achievement of historians, a 'Li Sao' without rhyme." He offended the emperor by defending a foreign general, Li Ling, and suffered castration, but endured the humiliation to complete "Records of the Grand Historian."
- Sima Yi (179-251): A powerful minister of the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period, a politician and military strategist, and the founder of the Jin Dynasty. He was known for his profound strategies and patience, ultimately defeating Zhuge Liang in the Battle of Gaopingling. His grandson, Sima Yan, established the Western Jin Dynasty.
- Sima Yan (236-290): The founding emperor of the Western Jin Dynasty, who forced Emperor Yuan of Wei, Cao Huan, to abdicate in 265 AD, establishing the Western Jin Dynasty and ending the Three Kingdoms period of division.
Major Event: The Sima Clan Usurping Wei was a significant political transition in Chinese history. Sima Yi, through long-term political maneuvering, gained control of the Wei state. His sons, Sima Zhao and Sima Shi, continued to consolidate the family's position, and ultimately Sima Yan established the Western Jin, unifying the Three Kingdoms. However, shortly after the establishment of the Western Jin, the "Rebellion of the Eight Princes" occurred, with internal power struggles within the Sima family leading to national decline and eventually the Five Barbarians Uprising (Wu Hu Luan Hua).
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is Knight, Marshall, Commander, or any name related to military or leadership, Sima is a powerful choice. It represents authority and strategic thinking.
5. Dongfang (东方) — A Representative of Mystery and Wisdom
The Dongfang surname carries a mysterious aura, and its most famous representative, Dongfang Shuo, was a legendary figure. In China, the name "Dongfang Bubai" (Invincible East) from Jin Yong's novels is most widely known, a name both imposing and memorable due to its simple characters, greatly highlighting the character's domineering presence.
Origin Story: The Dongfang surname is said to have originated from the ancient Emperor Fuxi. Ancient texts record that his descendant, Sun Zhong, was in charge of the "Green Yang Order of the East," meaning "originating from Zhen, presiding over the East," hence the surname "Dongfang." During Emperor Wu of Han's reign, the litterateur Dongfang Shuo (whose original surname was Zhang) was named because the east was just brightening at his birth, solidifying the surname's status.
Famous Figures:
- Dongfang Shuo: A Western Han litterateur, known for his witty humor and straightforward remonstrances. He once used the clever remarks "The fat Confucian is about to die of repletion, while I, your humble servant, am about to die of hunger" to attract Emperor Wu's attention, later becoming a close minister. He was skilled at offering advice humorously and was also an learned scholar.
- Dongfang Lü: A Tang Dynasty poet and historian.
Historical Story: Dongfang Shuo's stories are well-known in China. Once, Emperor Wu of Han wanted to test his wisdom and asked him, "How old are you, sir?" Dongfang Shuo replied, "I am as old as heaven and earth." The emperor laughed, "Heaven and earth began in the year Jiazi, and 810,000 years have passed; are you that old?" Dongfang Shuo replied, "I was born on the day Jiazi, just as heaven and earth began, so I say I am as old as heaven and earth." His witty reply greatly impressed Emperor Wu of Han.
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is East, Easton, Eastern, or any name related to the East or directions, Dongfang is a perfect match. It also carries connotations of wisdom and humor.
6. Linghu (令狐) — The Fusion of Culture and Wuxia
The Linghu surname is no stranger to wuxia novel enthusiasts—Linghu Chong, a character created by Jin Yong, is one of the most classic characters in Chinese wuxia literature.
Origin Story: Originated from the Ji surname, named after a fiefdom. During the Spring and Autumn period, after the Jin general Wei Ying (a descendant of King Wen of Zhou) won a victory, Duke Jing of Jin bestowed Linghu (present-day west of Linyi County, Shanxi) as his fiefdom. His son, Linghu Xie, adopted the name of the fiefdom as his surname. This surname has a history of over 2300 years.
Famous Figures:
- Linghu Chu: A Tang Dynasty minister and poet, whose poetry style was ornate and a significant representative of late Tang literature.
- Linghu Defen: A Tang Dynasty scholar, who presided over the compilation of historical records for the Zhou, Sui, and other dynasties, making immense contributions to Chinese historiography.
- Linghu Tao: A Tang Dynasty prime minister.
Cultural Impact: In contemporary Chinese culture, the Linghu surname is widely known due to Linghu Chong, the protagonist of Jin Yong's wuxia novel "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer." The character Linghu Chong is unrestrained and chivalrous, embodying the spirit of "xia" (chivalry) in Chinese culture.
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is Fox or Archer, Knight, or any name related to warriors, Linghu is a very interesting choice. It has both the heritage of ancient nobility and the romantic flavor of wuxia.
7. Murong (慕容) — The Integration of Prairie and Central Plains
Murong is a compound surname from an ethnic minority, recording the history of ethnic integration in ancient China.
Origin Story: The Murong clan was originally a tribe of the Xianbei people, descended from the Yellow Emperor. In 238 AD, their ancestor Mo Huba, following Wei Sima Yi in suppressing Gongsun Yuan, was appointed King of Righteousness and established a state in Jicheng, Liaoxi (present-day Xingyi County, Liaoning). The term "Murong" in Xianbei language means "bright" or "brilliant."
Famous Figures:
- Murong Huang: The founding emperor of Former Yan, who established the most powerful Yan state during the Sixteen Kingdoms period of the Five Barbarians.
- Murong Hui: Murong Huang's father, who laid the foundation for Former Yan.
- Murong Chui: The founding emperor of Later Yan, an outstanding military strategist and politician.
Historical Events: During the Sixteen Kingdoms period (304-439), the Murong family successively established regimes such as Former Yan, Later Yan, Western Yan, and Southern Yan. They were an important branch of the Xianbei people and profoundly influenced the history of northern China. The Murong family's rule promoted the integration of the Xianbei and Han peoples and also fostered cultural development in the north.
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is Light, Bright, Moore, or Moor (meaning prairie, wilderness), Murong is a good equivalent. It represents brightness and prairie culture.
8. Huangfu (皇甫) — The Legacy of a Medical Family
The Huangfu surname is an important surname in the history of Chinese medicine.
Origin Story: Originated from the Zi surname, from the descendants of the Song state's ducal family during the Spring and Autumn period. In the late Western Zhou Dynasty, Gongzi Chongshi, the son of Duke Dai of Song, had the courtesy name Huangfu. His grandson, Nan Yongchui, adopted his grandfather's courtesy name as his surname, known as Huangfu Shi. In the mid-Western Han Dynasty, Huangfu Luan, a descendant, changed the character "父" (fù) to the homophonous "甫" (fǔ), forming the Huangfu surname.
Famous Figures:
- Huangfu Mi (215-282): A medical scholar between the Wei and Jin dynasties, author of "The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion," hailed as the "Father of Acupuncture and Moxibustion." He systematically summarized the achievements of acupuncture and moxibustion before the Jin Dynasty, profoundly influencing the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Historical Contributions: Huangfu Mi's "The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion" is the earliest existing work on acupuncture and moxibustion in China. It summarized 349 acupuncture points on the human body, clarifying the location, primary indications, and needling methods for each point, laying a foundational role for the development of later acupuncture and moxibustion. Even today, this classic remains an essential reading for TCM acupuncture and moxibustion studies.
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is Doctor, Healer, Medicine, or any name related to medicine, Huangfu is an excellent choice. It represents the legacy of a medical family and the spirit of healing and saving lives.
9. Gongsun (公孙) — A Representative of Reform and Philosophy
Gongsun is a very typical aristocratic compound surname in ancient China.
Origin Story: During the Spring and Autumn period, various feudal lords were often called "Gong" (Duke). The eldest son of a monarch was called the Crown Prince before succeeding to the throne, other sons were called Gongzi (Princes), and the sons of Gongzi were called Gongsun (Grandsons of Dukes). Their descendants subsequently adopted Gongsun as their surname. Another origin came from the Ji surname, as descendants of the Yellow Emperor, Ji Xuanyuan.
Famous Figures:
- Gongsun Yang (i.e., Shang Yang): A statesman and reformer during the Warring States period, who implemented reforms in the Qin state, including abolishing the well-field system, promoting agriculture and sericulture, and rewarding military merits, making Qin rich and powerful, laying the foundation for unifying the six states.
- Gongsun Long: A representative figure of the School of Names, who proposed propositions like "A white horse is not a horse," making significant contributions to the development of ancient Chinese logic and philosophy.
- Gongsun Zan: One of the warlords at the end of the Han Dynasty, who carved out a territory in Youzhou, vying for supremacy with Yuan Shao and Cao Cao.
Major Event: Shang Yang's Reforms were one of the most important political reforms in Chinese history. With the support of Duke Xiao of Qin, Gongsun Yang implemented a series of reforms, including the abolition of the well-field system, rewarding military merits, standardizing weights and measures, and establishing the system of prefectures and counties. These reforms transformed Qin from a backward western vassal state into the most powerful of the Seven Warring States, laying the institutional and material foundation for Qin's unification of China.
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is Lord, Duke, Prince, or any name related to aristocracy or royalty, Gongsun is a suitable choice. It directly conveys the meaning of a noble descendant.
10. Xuanyuan (轩辕) — The Oldest Surname, Source of China
The Xuanyuan surname is the most symbolic compound surname in China, directly pointing to the primordial ancestor of the Chinese nation—the Yellow Emperor.
Origin Story: Directly originated from the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan. The Yellow Emperor was given the title Xuanyuan because he resided on Xuanyuan Hill (present-day northwest Xinzheng, Henan), and his descendants adopted Xuanyuan as their surname. This is one of the oldest surnames of the Chinese nation.
Famous Figures:
- Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan: The primordial ancestor of the Chinese nation, who unified the Huaxia tribes, sowed grains and plants, created clothing and caps, built boats and carriages, invented writing, established musical scales, and pioneered Chinese civilization.
Historical Significance: The Xuanyuan surname carries the origin memory of the Chinese nation, symbolizing the bloodline inheritance of the descendants of Yan and Huang. The Yellow Emperor is regarded as the founder of Chinese civilization, and his deeds are detailed in classics such as "Records of the Grand Historian." Chinese people refer to themselves as "descendants of Yan and Huang," referring to the descendants of Emperor Yan and the Yellow Emperor. Although the Xuanyuan surname has very few people today, its cultural symbolic significance is unparalleled.
English Surname Suggestion: If your English surname is King, Emperor, Ancestor, or any name related to emperors or ancestors, Xuanyuan is the most culturally significant choice. It represents the origin of Chinese civilization.
Other Common Compound Surnames: Classified by Origin
In addition to the top ten compound surnames listed above, China has many other compound surnames, which can be divided into several categories based on their different origins. Let's explore them according to how they were formed.
Compound Surnames from Official Positions
These compound surnames originated from ancient official titles, reflecting the ancestors' positions in government. Besides Sima (in charge of military affairs) mentioned earlier, there are:
- Situ: An ancient official in charge of land and people, together with Sima and Sikong, known as the "Three Excellencies." These were the three highest official positions in ancient China.
- Sikong: An official in charge of engineering and construction, responsible for water conservancy, architecture, and other public works.
- Sikou: An official in charge of law and punishment, equivalent to a minister of justice.
- Taishi: A court official responsible for recording history, holding a highly respected position.
- Yue Zheng: An official in charge of court music.
These compound surnames from official positions usually imply that the family once held prominent positions in government. In ancient China, being able to take an official title as a surname was an honor, representing the family's social status and influence.
Compound Surnames from Fiefdoms and Residences
These compound surnames originated from the ancestors' fiefdoms or residences, reflecting geographical locations or territories. Besides Shangguan and Linghu mentioned earlier, there are:
- Ximen: Named after living near the west gate of a city. Ximen Qing from "Water Margin" is a famous representative of this surname.
- Nangong: During the Spring and Autumn period, Meng Xizi, a grand master of the State of Lu, lived in Nangong, and his descendants took their residence as their surname.
- Dongguo: Families living near the east outer wall of a city.
- Tantai: Originated from Tantai County, the eastern capital of Lu. Tantai Mieming, a disciple of Confucius, is a famous representative of this surname.
- Duangan: The name of a fiefdom in the Wei state during the Spring and Autumn period.
- Yangshe: The name of a fiefdom in the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period. Yangshe Chi was a famous minister of the Spring and Autumn period.
These compound surnames often carry regional characteristics. For foreign friends, if your English surname is related to directions (e.g., Westgate, Eastwood, Southgate), these compound surnames are excellent choices.
Compound Surnames from Ethnic Integration
These compound surnames mostly originated from the Sinicization of ethnic minority surnames, recording the process of ethnic blending in Chinese history. Besides Murong mentioned earlier, there are:
- Yuwen: A Xianbei surname, the imperial surname of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Yong, is a famous representative of this surname.
- Dugu: A Xianbei surname. Dugu Xin was the maternal grandfather of Yang Jian, the founding emperor of the Sui Dynasty, and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Sui Dynasty.
- Changsun: A Xianbei surname. Empress Zhangsun, the wife of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was of the Changsun clan.
- Yuchi: Originated from northern ethnic groups. Yuchi Jingde was a famous general in the early Tang Dynasty, who followed Li Shimin in establishing the Tang Dynasty.
- Huyan: A Xiongnu surname that was Sinicized.
- Wanyan: A Jurchen surname, the imperial surname of the Jin Dynasty.
These compound surnames are living evidence of China's multi-ethnic integration history. They reflect China's inclusiveness as a multi-ethnic country and its capacity for cultural blending.
Compound Surnames from Ranking
This is a very special way of forming compound surnames. The most famous example is the Diwu surname. When Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, relocated the noble Tian clan from Qi, they were divided into first through eighth clans according to their order, and only the Diwu (Fifth) clan survives today. This surname reflects an ancient numbering system used during large-scale migrations.
Comprehensive List of Existing Chinese Compound Surnames
According to research, there are currently about 81 existing compound surnames in China. Compared to over 1,500 compound surnames that appeared historically, most have evolved into single surnames or disappeared. Below is a list of major existing compound surnames, with their relative commonness indicated.
Relatively Common Compound Surnames (Population over 50,000)
- Ouyang - The largest compound surname, approx. 1.112 million people
- Shangguan - Approx. 88,000 people
- Huangfu - Approx. 64,000 people
- Linghu - Approx. 55,000 people
Moderately Common Compound Surnames
Zhuge, Sima, Situ, Sikong, Xiahou, Gongsun, Murong, Changsun, Yuwen, Yuchi, Duanmu, Dongfang, Dugu, Nangong, Wanqi, Wenren, Helian, Tantai, Gongyang, Taishi, Shentu, Gongye, Taishu, Zhongli, Zongzheng, Puyang, Sikou, Gongxi, Xianyu, Lüqiu, Ziche, Kesun, Rangsi, Zhongshen, Gongliang, Qidiao, Wuma, Yue Zheng, Zaifu, Guliang, Tuoba, Jiagu, Xuanyuan, Duangan, Baili, Huyan, Dongguo, Nanmen, Yangshe, Weisheng
Rare Compound Surnames (Smaller Population)
Gonghu, Gongyu, Gongyi, Liangqiu, Gongzhong, Gongshang, Gongmen, Gongshan, Gongjian, Zuoqiu, Gongbo, Ximen, Gongzu, Diwu, Gongcheng, Guanqiu, Gongxi, Nanrong, Dongli, Donggong, Zhongchang, Zishu, Jimi, Daxu, Baoshi, Wanyan, Gongming, Luoshen, Wanyuan, Tufa
Special Note
Among these compound surnames, some are very rare in contemporary China, with only a few hundred people or even fewer for each surname. For example, the Xuanyuan surname, despite being the most culturally symbolic, has very few existing people. Some compound surnames like Dahū and Tufa are on the verge of extinction and require special protection and preservation.
For foreign friends who wish to choose a Chinese compound surname, it is advisable to prioritize relatively common ones, as this will not attract too much unexpected attention when used in China and will be easier for people to recognize and remember. At the same time, you can choose a compound surname with a matching meaning based on the characteristics of your English surname, profession, or personal traits.
Conclusion: The Contemporary Value of Compound Surnames
In contemporary China, although compound surnames are few in number and population, their cultural value is immeasurable. Behind every compound surname is a piece of history, a story, and a cultural heritage. They record China's ancient official systems, feudal structures, geographical changes, and ethnic integration, serving as a vivid embodiment of the diverse and unified Chinese civilization.
For foreign friends interested in Chinese culture, understanding compound surnames opens a window into Chinese history and culture. When you read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," you will better understand Zhuge Liang's wisdom and loyalty; when you read Tang poetry, you will more deeply appreciate the literary talents of Ouyang Xiu and Shangguan Wan'er; when you read Chinese historical records, you will more clearly see the contributions of Sima Qian and Gongsun Yang to Chinese civilization.
If you are choosing a Chinese name for yourself or your child, a compound surname is a unique and meaningful choice. It not only appears distinctive but also demonstrates your profound understanding of Chinese culture. It is recommended to choose a compound surname that matches your English surname, profession, or personal traits, and to understand its cultural connotations, so that your Chinese name will be more meaningful and tell a richer story.
Chinese compound surnames are a vast and wonderful world, and we hope this article has helped you explore a corner of it. If you are interested in Chinese surname culture, you can also delve into the rich content of China's "Hundred Family Surnames," surname origins, generational rankings, and more....