Qian Surname

Surname Overview

The surname Qian is pronounced qiān and is currently relatively common. It is found among the Han and Zhuang peoples; it does not rank among the top 1,000 surnames in mainland China and ranks 927th in Taiwan.

Reference: 千姓_千姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

Several origins are recorded for the surname: descendants of Ji-surname Min Sun adopting the surname; Yang Qianli changing from Yang to Qian after entering Shu; the Ming general Qian Yan receiving the surname; and sinicized surname changes among the Ewenki, Oroqen, and Manchu peoples.

Reference: 千姓_千姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The surname is recorded in Xutongzhi, Clan Records. Xing shi kao lue, citing Zhugong jiushi, states that the Di king Yang Qianwan entered Shu, hence Shu had the Qian surname, and treats this as a surname derived from a personal name.

Reference: 千姓_千姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Names

The Qian surname has the commanderies of Lu, Longxi, Shu, and Yingyang as commandery seats of distinction. Its hall names are Lujun Hall, Longxi Hall, Shujun Hall, and Yingyang Hall, all established from these commanderies.

Reference: 千姓_千姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

The Qian surname is distributed in Sichuan, Taiwan, Fenyang in Shanxi, Beijing, and Henan, and is also found in Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Xinjiang, the Korean Peninsula, and Kyushu in Japan.

Reference: 千姓_千姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Qian Xian was a Han-period commandant of Shu Commandery; Qian Yan was a Ming general; Qian Wanli was a Ming general who later settled on the Korean Peninsula and was granted the title Lord Hwasan. Qian Kui, Qian Zhao, Qian Shu, Qian Zao, and Qian Baoren are also recorded as historical figures.

Reference: 千姓_千姓的来源和历史_百家姓