Surname Overview
The surname Zhi is pronounced Zhí and is currently rare; it is found among both Han and Tibetan people.
Zhí Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 7Zhí / Chih
Origins
Origin Traditions
Several origin traditions are recorded for the surname, including Zhibing among the ancestors of Jin, Zhibo as a descendant of Shun, Zhi Gong of Chu, and Tibetan Zhi lineages.
Historical Records
Documentary Attestations
The surname is included in the Clan Records sections of the Zheng Tongzhi, Xu Tongzhi, and Qing Tongzhi, under the entering-tone category; related records also appear in the Guoyu, Xing shi kao lue, and Xing yuan.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies of Origin
The recorded commanderies associated with the surname are Chu Commandery and the Han state.
Migration and Distribution
Distribution
The surname is recorded in Dai County, Taiyuan, Changzhi, Yuci, Yuncheng, and Xinzhou in Shanxi; Wen County in Henan; Wuchang in Hubei; Gaoyao in Guangdong; as well as Qidong, Changqing, Weishan, and Beijing.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Zhi Buyi was from Nanyang in the Han period, served as Imperial Secretary under Emperor Jing, and was enfeoffed as Marquis Sai; Zhi Duan was from Tongguan in the Ming period and served as assistant magistrate of Xugou County during the Yongle era.
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Surname attestation references
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