Ban Surname

Surname Overview

Ban (Bān) is a relatively common surname today, widely distributed but not numerous. It is found among the Han, Manchu, Mongol, Yao, Bouyei, Gaoshan, and other ethnic groups.

Reference: 班姓_班姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

The recorded origins of the Ban surname include descendants of the Chu state’s Ru'ao lineage, descendants of Chu minister Que Ban, and descendants of the Song official Er Ban of the Zi lineage. Other accounts connect it with descendants of Gongshu Ban and sinicized surname changes among minority groups.

Reference: 班姓_班姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The Fengsu Tong records the Ban surname as descending from Que Ban, a minister of Chu. The Zheng Tongzhi: Shizu Lue records that descendants of Chu’s Ru'ao lineage adopted Ban because the tiger had patterned markings, and states that Ban was the ancient form of Bin.

Reference: 班姓_班姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Halls

The Ban surname is associated with the commanderies of Fufeng and Fuyang, and with the halls Dingyuan and Hanshu. Dingyuan refers to Ban Chao being made Marquis of Dingyuan; Hanshu refers to Ban Biao, Ban Gu, and Ban Zhao’s connection with the Book of Han.

Reference: 班姓_班姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

After Qin destroyed Chu, descendants of Dou Ban moved between Jin and Dai. Today the Ban surname is distributed in Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, Henan, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Yunnan, and other areas.

Reference: 班姓_班姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Ban Biao, Ban Gu, and Ban Zhao were known for their historical scholarship. Ban Chao was an Eastern Han general who served in and administered the Western Regions, became Protector General of the Western Regions, and was made Marquis of Dingyuan.

Reference: 班姓_班姓的来源和历史_百家姓