Surname Overview
The surname Dan is pronounced dàn and is currently uncommon. It is distributed today in Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hubei, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, and other areas, and is a Han Chinese surname.
Dan Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 298Dan / Dan
Origins
Main Origins
Two main origins are recorded for the Dan surname: one developed from the surname Dan through an erroneous written form, while another arose when the Liu family of Tongzhou in the Ming dynasty changed its surname to Dan.
Historical Records
Early Attestation
The earliest recorded mention of the Dan surname is in the Southern Song work Xingyuan.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies and Hall Names
Recorded commandery associations include Liang, Lingling, and Yanling. Hall names include Liang Commandery Hall, Liang State Hall, Dangshan Hall, Suiyang Hall, and Lingling Hall.
Migration and Distribution
Distribution and Migration
Dan families are distributed across Henan, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Hubei, Sichuan, Hunan, Chongqing, Shanxi, Yunnan, Shandong, and other areas. The account of the Guang'an branch connects its migration with the Huguang migration to Sichuan.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Recorded historical figures of the Dan surname include Tang dynasty figures Dan Lin and Dan Cong, and the Ming dynasty figure Dan Cheng, a native of Yun who served as magistrate of Haiyan.
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Surname attestation references
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