Liu Surname

Surname Overview

Liu is a relatively rare Han Chinese surname. It is found today in Shanxi, Ji'an in Jiangxi, Shaowu in Fujian, and other places, and is recorded in the Zheng Tongzhi, Clan Records.

Reference: 留姓_留姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

Several origins are recorded for Liu: descendants of a half-brother of Danzhu, son of Emperor Yao, who was enfeoffed at Liu and took the place name as a surname; a branch from the Liu fief in the royal domain of the Zhou period; and accounts involving the Liu settlement of the Spring and Autumn period and surname changes from Liu.

Reference: 留姓_留姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Early Attestations

The earliest recorded appearances of the surname are Liu Zixia and Liu Ziguo, found in the Shijing, “Qiu Zhong You Ma,” from the “Wang Feng” section of the “Guo Feng.”

Reference: 留姓 - 百家姓 - 族谱录

Migration and Distribution

A recorded migration route of the Quanzhou branch passed through Pingyang in Shanxi, the Liu territory of Pei County in Jiangsu, Dongyang County of Kuaiji Commandery in Zhejiang, Quanzhou in Fujian, Fuquan and Lunshang in Jinjiang, and later Yuemei in Dongshi, Yunlin, Taiwan.

Reference: 留姓 - 百家姓 - 族谱录

Notable People

Historical Figures

Liu Congxiao, from Taolinchang in Nan'an, Quanzhou, was a Five Dynasties figure who served as military governor of Qingyuan and observer of the two prefectures south of Quanzhou, and was enfeoffed as Prince of Jinjiang. Liu Zheng was a Southern Song chancellor, posthumously granted Grand Preceptor and the posthumous name Zhongxuan.

Reference: 留姓 - 百家姓 - 族谱录