HeLian Surname

Surname Overview

Heilian is pronounced hè lián and ranks 417th in the Hundred Family Surnames.

Reference: 《百家姓》第417姓：赫连，赫连姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君

Origins

The Heilian surname is described as originating from historical ethnic minority surnames. Two origins are recorded: Bobo of the Tiefu branch of the Southern Xiongnu adopted Heilian during the Sixteen Kingdoms period, and the Tuyuhun people also had the Heilian surname from the Western Jin to Eastern Jin periods.

Reference: 《百家姓》第417姓：赫连，赫连姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The Book of Jin and related records state that Helian Bobo adopted the surname Helian from the meanings of “illustrious” and “connected with Heaven,” while prescribing that only the legitimate imperial line retain Helian and other collateral branches use Tiefa.

Reference: 《百家姓》第417姓：赫连，赫连姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Names

The Heilian lineage is associated with Bohai Commandery, around present-day Cang County in Hebei, and Shengle Commandery, around present-day Helinger in Inner Mongolia. Its hall names include Lechuan Hall and Renshu Hall.

Reference: 《百家姓》第417姓：赫连，赫连姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君

Migration and Distribution

Distribution and Migration

The Heilian surname is outside the first one hundred surnames in both mainland China and Taiwan. Historical records connect it with the Xiongnu and Tuyuhun, while available user-origin data are mainly distributed across Beijing, Henan, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia.

Reference: 《百家姓》第417姓：赫连，赫连姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君

Notable People

Historical Figure

Helian Tao, a Tang-dynasty talent from Zhangpu, Fujian, was known for his ability and was counted among the “Eight Worthies of Minzhong” with Chen An, Wang Gong, Xiao Shu, Lin Xian, Chen Ji, Chen Fa, and Zhan Xiong.

Reference: 《百家姓》第417姓：赫连，赫连姓来源、分布地域与名人介绍 | 速查君