Niè Surname

Surname Overview

Overview

The surname Nie is pronounced Niè and is rare; it still exists in mainland China.

Reference: 涅姓_涅姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Toponymic Origins

One account places Nie County in Shangdang Commandery and derives the surname from residence there. Another records ancient Nieyang County, named for its location north of the Nie River, with residents taking the place name as their surname.

Reference: 涅姓_涅姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Tibetan Origin

The surname Nie is also found among Tibetan surnames. In the Tang period, the Tibetan kingdom granted fiefs and titles to meritorious officials, placing territorial names before personal names; these later became surnames.

Reference: 涅姓_涅姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The surname Nie is recorded in Xutongzhi: Shizulue under the “entering tone” section, and it also appears in Xingyuan.

Reference: 涅姓_涅姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Current Distribution

Recorded distribution includes mainland China, and the surname still exists among Tibetans.

Reference: 涅姓_涅姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Nie Hao served as a Chamberlain in Western Yan during the Eastern Jin period; Nie Li served as governor of Songpan in the Tang period.

Reference: 涅姓_涅姓的来源和历史_百家姓