Surname Overview
Overview
Ling is a currently uncommon Han Chinese surname, distributed mainly in parts of Shanxi, Gansu, and Yunnan.
Ling Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 232Ling / Ling
Origins
Main Origins
The main origins associated with the Ling surname are Ji, Mi, Ying, and Lin. Explanations include adoption of titles such as court musician, Lingyin, Lingzheng, and county magistrate as surnames.
Historical Records
Documentary Records
The surname is recorded in the Xutongzhi, Clan Records. The Zhongwen Dazidian, citing Fengsu Tong, identifies it as descending from Ziwen, the Lingyin of Chu, and gives Shang Commandery as its commandery seat.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies and Halls
The surname is associated with the commanderies of Taiyuan and Hongnong. Its halls include Taiyuan Hall, Hongnong Hall, Q墓 Hall, and Broad Charity Hall.
Migration and Distribution
The Ling and Linghu lineages were active early in the area of present-day Linyi, Shanxi, and spread to Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu during the Han and Tang periods. After the Song dynasty they declined, with small populations remaining today.
Notable People
Historical Figure
Ling Mian was a Grand Master of the Palace during the reign of Emperor Wen of the Western Han and served as a military commander stationed at Feihu.
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