A Surname

Surname Overview

The A surname is widely distributed but has relatively few bearers.

Reference: 阿姓_阿姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

The recorded origins include descendants of Yiyin in the Shang dynasty taking the surname from the official title A Heng, Northern Wei Xianbei groups such as A Fugan changing to A, and Qing-era Manchu groups such as Barlā and Wuzhaku changing to A.

Reference: 阿姓_阿姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Records

The surname is included in Xing Shi Kao Lue, which cites Fengsu Tong on Yiyin being A Heng and his collateral descendants taking the official title as a surname; Wei Shu records Northern Wei groups changing to A.

Reference: 阿姓_阿姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

The A families in Qinghai's Datong County, including Ajiabao, Ajiatai, and Xiatao villages, are recorded as having Mongolian ancestors. Their predecessors lived on the Inner Mongolian grasslands, later moved through Ningxia and Nanjing, and migrated to the Xining Guard area with Chai Guozhu during the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty.

Reference: 阿姓_阿姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

A Bo was a deputy general under Eqing in the Northern Wei; A Qilin was a native of Daizhou in the Ming dynasty, a Jiajing-period presented scholar, and served as magistrate of Jinning County.

Reference: 阿姓_阿姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

Readings and Branches

The recorded surname traditions include three readings, ā, ē, and kē, with different origins associated with different readings.

Reference: 阿姓_阿姓的来源和历史_百家姓