nán Surname

Surname Overview

Overview

The surname 男 is recorded with the pronunciation nán and is relatively rare today.

Reference: 男姓_男姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Si-Clan Origin

One lineage is recorded as descending from Yu of Xia and originating from the Si clan; another account says descendants of the state of Nanshi adopted its name as their surname.

Reference: 男姓_男姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Alternative Nan-Surname Account

Another origin tradition treats 男 as interchangeable with 南 and also records it as the Nan surname.

Reference: 男姓_男姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Records

The surname is included in Xu Tongzhi: Shizu Lüe; related origin traditions also appear in Xingshi Kaolüe through its citations of Shiji: Xia Benji and Shiben.

Reference: 男姓_男姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Present Distribution

The surname is found in Taiyuan and Pinglu in Shanxi, Wuhan in Hubei, Chengdu in Sichuan, and Huangchuan in Henan.

Reference: 男姓_男姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

People and Conflicting Dates

Recorded figures include Nan Kaimou of the Han, Nan Zaigui, Nan Jian of the Tang, and Nan Bin of the Ming. Nan Zaigui is identified in one account as a Dingzhou commander under Northern Zhou and in another as a Dingzhou commander during Wu Zetian's reign; both identify him as a native of Jiangnan.

Reference: 男姓_男姓的来源和历史_百家姓