Surname Overview
Pronunciation
The surname Si is pronounced sǐ (ㄙˇ).
Sǐ Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 8Sǐ / Ssu
Origins
Xianbei Origins
The surname originated from a tribal name of the Tuoba branch of the Xianbei during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and was formed through the sinicization of the tribal name.
Sinicization and Evolution
After Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moved the capital from Pingcheng to Luoyang between 493 and 496, the 𠒁 (Si) clan gradually integrated into the Han Chinese population. After the Sui and Tang dynasties, some members adopted the homophonic surnames Si, Si, 𦉭, and Er.
Historical Records
Early Written Form
The Tuoba branch of the Xianbei in Daibei had four clan tribes: 𠒁 (𠑾), Zi, Du, and Bo. In ancient usage, 𠒁 (𠑾) was an archaic form of 死, so the 𠒁 (Ѿ) clan was the Si clan.
Migration and Distribution
Current Distribution
Descendants of the Si surname are mainly distributed in Luoyang and Kaifeng in Henan, with a small number of families living together in Wuzhong, Ningxia. The population is approximately only a few thousand.
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