Surname Overview
The surname Hou (後) is pronounced hòu. It ranks 398th in the Hundred Family Surnames and is currently uncommon.
Hou Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 40,860Hou / Hou
Origins
Main Origins
Recorded origins of Hou (後) include two branches: descendants of Houzhao, grandson of Taihao, and the family of a Qi grand historian's daughter who became Queen of King Xiang of Qi and was granted the surname Hou (後).
Historical Records
Documentary Attestations
The surname Hou (後) is recorded in Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi's Clan Surnames, with related origins noted in Xing shi kao lüe and Xin zuan shi zu jiān shi.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commandery and Hall Names
The Hou (後) surname has the commandery associations of Xia Qiu and Donghai, and the hall names Donghai Hall and Yuzheng Hall.
Migration and Distribution
Present Distribution
The Hou (後) surname is distributed in Yilong in Sichuan, Guyuan in Ningxia, Ningxiang in Hunan, Xuancheng in Anhui, and Taipei, Chiayi, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung in Taiwan.
Research Notes
Character and Surname Distinction
Hou (后) and Hou (後) are recorded as surnames with different origins in the Hundred Family Surnames. Since 後 is commonly simplified to 后 today, the two are easily conflated in modern writing.
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