Qi Surname

Surname Overview

An Ancient Multiethnic Surname

Qi is an ancient surname with multiple ethnic and ancestral origins. It does not rank among the top 3,000 surnames in mainland China and is absent in Taiwan.

Reference: 乞姓_乞姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Di-Qiang and Boyi Lineage

The Xing氏 Kaolüe, citing a commentary on the Shanhaijing, identifies the Qi surname among the Di and Qiang as descendants of Boyi; the Lushi also records that the Xuandi bore the Qi surname.

Reference: 乞姓_乞姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Surname Changes and Bestowal

During the Northern Wei, surnames including the Xianbei Qifu and Qite and the Gaoche Qiyuan were changed to Qi. In the Five Dynasties period, Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang bestowed the surname Qi and the given name Huaiyou on Jieshiqiyi.

Reference: 乞姓_乞姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commandery and Hall Names

Jincheng is listed as a commandery affiliation. Hall names include Taiyuan Hall, Henan Hall, and Runan Hall, each established from a commandery affiliation.

Reference: 乞姓_乞姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Modern Distribution

The Qi surname is found in Nangong in Hebei, Taiyuan in Shanxi, Huaihua in Hunan, Mojiang and Jingdong in Yunnan, Xinfeng in Jiangxi, Neijiang and Dechang in Sichuan, and Liping and Rongjiang in southeastern Guizhou.

Reference: 乞姓_乞姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Qi Li was a frontier general of Later Tang during the Five Dynasties. Qi Xian, a native of Nanjing in the Ming dynasty, served as magistrate of Bishui County in Henan during the Hongzhi era.

Reference: 乞姓_乞姓的来源和历史_百家姓