Gan Surname

Surname Overview

The Gan surname is an ancient surname with multiple ethnic and lineage origins. It ranks 270th among current Chinese surnames, with a population of about 271,000, accounting for approximately 0.016% of China’s total population.

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Origins

Possible Origins of Ganshan’s Early Residents

The early Gan residents of the Ganshan area were considered very likely to have been members or descendants of Gan Jiang’s lineage, based on local legends, relics, and excavated artifacts.

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Historical Records

Documentary and Legendary Records

Yang Weizhen recorded the legend of Fuchai’s tomb and Gan Jiang Mountain in Ganshan Records; the Huating County Gazetteer, completed in the seventh year of the Zhengde era of the Ming dynasty, added the legend that Gan Jiang forged swords.

Reference: Page 175 - “三高士”与松江（内页）

Migration and Distribution

Distribution in Songjiang

Among Songjiang district’s registered residents, 645 people bear the Gan surname, mainly distributed in Maogang and Xinbang; 44 live in Sheshan Town, including the former Tianmashan Town.

Reference: Page 175 - “三高士”与松江（内页）

Research Notes

Limits of Historical Verification

The legends that Gan Jiang forged swords or was buried there lack rigorous support, and the explanation that Ganshan was named Tianmashan because of its shape cannot be clearly established.

Reference: Page 175 - “三高士”与松江（内页）