Xī Surname

Surname Overview

The surname Xi is pronounced Xī. It is currently uncommon among Han Chinese surnames and has the variant form 鄎.

Reference: 息姓_息姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Two origin traditions are recorded for the Xi surname: one traces it to the Ji surname, stating that the state of Lord Xi was in Xinxian of Caizhou and that descendants adopted the state name after its fall to Chu; the other traces it to the Gui surname and associates it with Xi Gui, the consort of King Wen of Chu in the Spring and Autumn period.

Reference: 息姓_息姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The Clan Records in Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi both record the Xi surname and classify it under the entering-tone section.

Reference: 息姓_息姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Most people with the Xi surname are currently said to have ancestral roots in Daxi Village and Xiaoxi Village in Hebei. Their number is estimated at about 3,000 to 5,000, although the exact figure is uncertain; descendants who migrated from these places are found in most Chinese cities, especially Beijing and Tianjin, followed by Taiwan.

Reference: 息姓_息姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

The recorded historical figures include Xi Huan in the Spring and Autumn period; Xi Zhi, a county assistant magistrate of Baoying in the Ming dynasty; Xi Zhao, a tribute student who served as a county magistrate; and Xi Longtai of Dongguang, a student.

Reference: 息姓_息姓的来源和历史_百家姓