Xiān Surname

Surname Overview

Xian is a currently uncommon surname, romanized as Xiān; in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guizhou, it is pronounced with the fourth tone when used as a surname.

Reference: 先姓_先姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

The recorded origins of the Xian surname include the Marquis of Xian among the late Shang vassals, the Xian lineage of the Spring and Autumn period Jin state, and the Xian tumu of the Pumanzhai area of Simao Hall in Yunnan during the Qing dynasty. The specific origin of the Jin-state lineage is unknown.

Reference: 先姓_先姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies

The recorded commanderies associated with the Xian surname are Jiang Commandery and Hedong.

Reference: 先姓_先姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Distribution

The Xian surname is not numerous but is widely distributed. It is mainly found in Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Henan, with notable concentrations in Luzhou, Luxian, Hejiang, Bishan, and the Leshan area, as well as Dafang County in Bijie, Guizhou. It is also found in Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Gansu, Hubei, and Hunan.

Reference: 先姓_先姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Historical figures include Xian Zhen, Xian Danmu, and Xian You of the Spring and Autumn period Jin state; Xian Zhen served as commander of Jin’s central army. Other recorded figures are Xian Wang of Luzhou in the Tang dynasty, the Song-dynasty calligrapher Xian Changwen, and Xian Jin of the Ming dynasty.

Reference: 先姓_先姓的来源和历史_百家姓