Bi Surname

Surname Overview

A Historically Rare Surname

When pronounced bì, 弗 is a historically rare Chinese surname.

Reference: 弗姓_弗姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Fu and Fei as One Surname

Shiben wrote 費 as 弗, giving rise to the statement that 弗 and 費 were originally one surname.

Reference: 弗姓_弗姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Connection to the Lu Settlement of Fei

Fei was a settlement in the state of Lu. Jiyou, a son of Duke Huan of Lu, served as a minister and was enfeoffed there for merit, thereafter taking Fei as his surname. The interchange of 弗 and 費 connects the bì reading of 弗 with this lineage.

Reference: 弗姓_弗姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Recorded in Xingshi Kaolue

Xingshi Kaolue records 弗 as a surname pronounced bì and cites the Shiji Suoyin concerning its surname relationship.

Reference: 弗姓_弗姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

Historical Pronunciation Change

費 was pronounced both bì and fèi. Because 弗 and 費 were interchangeable, 弗 likewise had the readings bì and fèi, while its later usual reading became fú.

Reference: 弗姓_弗姓的来源和历史_百家姓