Bao Surname

Surname Overview

Bao is a currently uncommon surname, pronounced bào, with a broad but small-numbered distribution.

Reference: 暴姓_暴姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Zi and Ji Origins

One account traces the surname to the Shang-era feudal lord Bao Gong, whose descendants adopted Bao as their surname. Another traces it to the fief of Ji Xing in the Western Zhou; after Bao was annexed by Zheng, its former people adopted Bao as their surname.

Reference: 暴姓_暴姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The surname appears in Zheng Qiao's Zheng Tongzhi: Shizu Lue. Xingzuan calls Bao Gong a minister of Zhou, while the Zuo Zhuan records an oath at Bao and identifies Bao as Zheng territory.

Reference: 暴姓_暴姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Halls

The recorded commanderies are Wei Commandery and Hedong Commandery; the recorded hall names are Gengjie Hall and Dingyang Hall.

Reference: 暴姓_暴姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Distribution and Generation Names

Bao descendants are recorded in Kuandian in Liaoning; Cangzhou, Handan, Xingtai, and Qinhuangdao in Hebei; Puyang in Henan; Xianyang in Shaanxi; Wuxiang in Changzhi, Shanxi; and Laiwu in Shandong. The Laiwu generation names include Ru, Fa, Sheng, Zheng, Yu, and Li; those in Kuandian include Zhen, Shang, Wen, Sheng, Xue, Zhan, and Zhong.

Reference: 暴姓起源分布与家谱家族

Notable People

Historical Figures

Bao Shengzhi was a Han dynasty imperial secretary; Bao Xian was a Northern Qi cavalry general and was later made Prince of Dingyang; Bao Zhao was a prominent early-Ming official who rose to Minister of Justice.

Reference: 暴姓_暴姓的来源和历史_百家姓