Surname Overview
The surname Ji is pronounced Jí and is relatively rare among the Han Chinese.
Jí Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 3Jí / Chi
Origins
The surname has three stated origins: an ancient state of Ji, whose descendants adopted the state name; the Spring and Autumn period Wei official Ji Zicheng, whose lineage adopted the name of its fief; and a Chu fief of the Spring and Autumn period, whose name later became a surname.
Historical Records
Documentary Attestations
The surname Ji is recorded in Zheng Tongzhi's Clan Records, with related notices in Zhongwen Da Zidian citing Wanxing Tongpu and in Xingshi Kaolue.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commandery Prestige
The recorded commandery prestige of the Ji surname is Jixun Commandery.
Migration and Distribution
Current Distribution
Today, the Ji surname is distributed in Xinji, Hebei; Changzhi and the Lüliang area, Shanxi; Xingan, Jiangxi; and Wuchuan, Guangdong.
Research Notes
Variant Forms and Recorded Change
In ancient usage, Ji was interchangeable with 革; a later record states that some changed their surname to Zao to avoid danger.
Continue your family research
Start with ancestral counties, villages, personal names and dates. Record genealogy titles, volumes, editions and catalog identifiers. A shared surname does not prove a shared lineage; compare branch records.
Surname attestation references
These catalogs or datasets attest written names, not every origin or lineage claim on this page.
This page includes automatically organized material. Check the references and original family documents.
Add or correct information
Submit the information and a reference link for possible inclusion on this page.