Cen Surname

Surname Overview

Overview of the Cen Surname

The Cen surname ranked 67th in the Song dynasty Hundred Surnames and is outside the top 100 surnames in the modern lists for mainland China and Taiwan.

Reference: 《百家姓》第67姓：岑，岑姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君

Origins

The Cen surname has two recorded origins: one derives from the Ji surname, whose ancestor Qu, son of Yao, the half-brother of King Wen of Zhou, was enfeoffed as Cen Zi and whose descendants adopted the state name; the other is found among the ancient Li people of the two Yue regions and among present-day Zhuang, Bouyei, and other ethnic minorities.

Reference: 《百家姓》第67姓：岑，岑姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君

Historical Records

Early Regional Records

Early development of the Cen surname centered on Nanyang Commandery. During the Qin and Han periods, the surname grew in the Nanyang area, which consequently became its commandery seat.

Reference: 岑姓的地理分布特点：广西、广东、安徽、河南为主-族谱网

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Halls

Recorded commanderies associated with the Cen surname include Nanyang in Hubei, Jiyang in Henan, and Henan Commandery; its clan halls include Nanyang, Shengwu, and Zhangqing.

Reference: 《百家姓》第67姓：岑，岑姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君

Migration and Distribution

The Cen surname originated in present-day Hancheng, Shaanxi, and one branch moved to Nanyang after the pre-Qin period. From the Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties through the Sui and Tang periods, it expanded from Nanyang to many regions; today it is mainly concentrated in Guangxi, Guangdong, Anhui, and Henan.

Reference: 《百家姓》第67姓：岑，岑姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君

Notable People

Historical Figures

Notable figures include Cen Peng, an early Eastern Han general; Cen Xi, an Eastern Han official; and Cen Shen, a Tang dynasty poet.

Reference: 《百家姓》第67姓：岑，岑姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君