Surname Overview
A Rare Han Chinese Surname
Ni, pronounced Ní, is a relatively rare Han Chinese surname today and is found in Taiyuan, Yangquan, Jincheng, Yuncheng, Linfen, and the Lüliang area of Shanxi.
Ní Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 2Ní / Ni
Origins
Two Early Lines of Origin
One line descended from the Spring and Autumn-period Song official Beini, whose name also appears as Nibei, Niche, or Cheni; the surname Ni was also present in the Western Regions kingdom of Yanqi during the Han period.
Historical Records
Variants in Historical Texts
The Zheng Tongzhi states, citing the Shiben, that the surname descended from the Song official Beini. The Xingshi Kaolüe gives the name as Cheni, the Xingshi Cidian as Niche, while another account identifies Beini as an official of Chu; these versions differ.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Ancestral Commanderies
The ancestral commanderies associated with the Ni surname are Henan and Hedong.
Migration and Distribution
Geographic Distribution
The Ni surname is found in Shangyu, Zhejiang; Xintai, Shandong; Huainan, Anhui; Beijing; and Hanyuan, Sichuan. In Shandong it is also found in Fangjia Village of Zhutai Town, Linzi District, Zibo, and in Zhaibian, Liubai, and Liushu villages of Hubin Town, Boxing County, Binzhou.
Notable People
Historical Figures
During the Han period, Ni He served as an officer of Qianwei. In the time of Lü Guang of Later Liang, Ni Liu of Yanqi led neighboring states in surrender, an event recorded in the Jin Shu biography of Lü Guang.
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