Surname Overview
Surname Overview and Pronunciations
Chi is a currently rare surname. The records give three pronunciations, zǐ, chí, and chì, with pronunciations varying by lineage.
Chi Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 12Chi / Chi
Origins
Multiple Origins
Recorded origins of the Chi surname include the Ji, Zi, Yi, Mongolian, and Manchu groups. Some branches adopted the surname through sinicization, while the Zi-origin branch is also associated with a change made to avoid upheaval.
Historical Records
Documentary Records
The surname Chi is included in the Clan Records of the Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi. Related accounts mention Chiji, Chisong, Chijiang Ziyu, and Chisongzi in early legendary traditions.
Migration and Distribution
Current Distribution
The surname is recorded in Jingxian and Yuxian in Hebei; Dongping in Shandong; Taiyuan, Datong, and Yangquan in Shanxi; Hancheng in Shaanxi; several places in Henan; Xinhui in Guangdong; and also Luxi, Xintai, Huainan, Beijing, and Zhalait Banner.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Chixie was a general of Northern Wei. Chi Congzhou was from Quwo, Shanxi, in the Ming dynasty, became a tribute student during the Zhengtong era, and served as deputy magistrate of Wenshang, Shandong. Chi Xiangrong, born in 1942 in Wuzhai, Shanxi, was a local taxation worker.
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