Surname Overview
Population and Ranking
The Da surname is said to have a population of about 100,000 and to rank 496th in the Hundred Family Surnames.
笪 Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 247Origins
Progenitor Recorded in the Manuscript Genealogy
The surviving manuscript of the Da Clan Genealogy records the surname’s progenitor as a descendant of Liu Hong, the Later Young Emperor of Han. He escaped during the Liu-Lu struggle, took refuge at “dawn beneath bamboo,” and gave Da as his surname when questioned.
Historical Records
Record of Han Descent and a Bestowed Surname
In his Preface to the Da Clan Genealogy, Da Chongguang wrote: “Our clan originated from Han descendants and was bestowed its present surname.”
Migration and Distribution
Prominence in Jurong
Although uncommon nationwide, the Da surname developed into a prominent clan in Jurong, Jiangsu.
Notable People
Notable Members of the Da Clan
Notable members include Da Chen, a Song-dynasty jinshi from Jianping, Fujian, and Da Chongguang, an early Qing jinshi, censor, poet, calligrapher, and painter from Jurong.
Genealogy and Generation Names
Surviving Manuscript Genealogy
The surviving manuscript of the Da Clan Genealogy kept by Da Yuanhuai was copied in regular script by his grandfather, Da Jiaowen, in 1906, the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign; 44 pages remain.
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Surname attestation references
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