xiáng Surname

Surname Overview

A Rare Surname

Xiang, pronounced xiáng, is a rare surname currently in use.

Reference: 翔姓_翔姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Xiang-Bird Totem Tradition

One origin tradition holds that an ancient eastern tribe used the xiang bird as its totem, adopted the totem as a surname, and later simplified it to Xiang; related accounts remain in some Xiang genealogies in Shandong.

Reference: 翔姓氏来源介绍.pptx-原创力文档

Fief and Official-Title Traditions

Two further traditions place the origin in the Zhou period: one derives the surname from descendants of King Cheng of Zhou's brother, who was enfeoffed at Xiang; the other derives it from descendants of officials called Xiangren, who oversaw the xiang dance in court rituals.

Reference: 翔姓氏来源介绍.pptx-原创力文档

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The surname Xiang is included in Xinbian Qianjiaxing and in Xingshi Cidian through a citation of Xixinglu; its origin is also noted in Xingyuan.

Reference: 翔姓_翔姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Distribution in Chengdu

The surname Xiang is found in Chengdu, Sichuan.

Reference: 翔姓_翔姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Xiang Jigao of the Song Dynasty

Xiang Jigao lived during the Song dynasty, used the sobriquet Yuxuan, and was skilled in poetry.

Reference: 翔姓_翔姓的来源和历史_百家姓