Surname Overview
A Rare Surname
Xian (traditional form: 縣; pronounced Xuán) is a rare Chinese surname.
Xuán Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 6Xuán / Hsüan
Origins
Ji and Mi Lineages
One account traces the surname to descendants of Kang Shu and the Ji lineage; another traces it to descendants of Chu and the Mi lineage.
Descendants of a County Official
Another lineage is traced to an ancestor who served as a county official, after which the descendants adopted Xian as their surname.
Historical Records
Record by Zheng Qiao
The surname is recorded in the clan treatise of Zheng Tongzhi, which notes that it may be pronounced in the level tone.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Historical figures include Xian Chengfu of Lu in the Spring and Autumn period, a disciple of Confucius; Xian Zishi, recorded in Lüshi Chunqiu; Xian Zhi, chancellor of Ganling during the Han dynasty; and Xian Mo, Secretariat Director of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period.
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Surname attestation references
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