迪 Surname

Surname Overview

Di is a currently rare surname, pronounced dí, with origins associated with the Zi lineage, the Zhaowu Nine Surnames, the Feng lineage, and surname changes among various ethnic groups.

Reference: 迪姓_迪姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Zi-Lineage Origin

One line traces the surname to Jian Di, mother of the ancient Shang ancestor Xie; it states that Di, Di, and Yi were interchangeable homophones in the Shang and Zhou periods, after which descendants adopted the maternal name as a surname, forming Di.

Reference: 迪姓_迪姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Zhaowu Origin

One line traces the surname to Dēwāštič, ruler of the Tang-period kingdom of Mi; after his nephews and sons entered China, they adopted the homophonous Chinese character “Di,” based on the initial sound of their ancestor’s name, as their surname.

Reference: 迪姓_迪姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Ethnic Surname Changes

Records describe the Manchu Moldire and Wentehe lineages, the Daur Nedi lineage, and related Hui lineages as having branches that adopted Di as a surname.

Reference: 迪姓_迪姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Names

The Di surname is associated with Henan and Liaodong commanderies, with the hall names Henan Hall and Liaodong Hall, both established from their commandery associations.

Reference: 迪姓_迪姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Present-Day Distribution

The surname is distributed today in Taiyuan, Jincheng, and Yuncheng in Shanxi; Hancheng in Shaanxi; Tacheng in Xinjiang; and Lushui in Yunnan. It is also recorded in You County of Hunan, Huainan of Anhui, Xiaoshan of Zhejiang, and Beijing.

Reference: 迪姓_迪姓的来源和历史_百家姓