Surname Overview
Xianbei and the Northern Peoples
The Xianbei are described as an ancient nomadic people of the north.
Xiānbēi Surname
Surname profileXiānbēi / Hsien-pei
Origins
Sinicization Through Surname Changes
After moving the capital to Luoyang, Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei carried out comprehensive Sinicization, prohibited the Xianbei language, and adopted Chinese surnames.
Reference: 你的祖先可能是鲜卑人？鲜卑姓化汉姓表，找一找你的姓
The Eight Surname Changes
Emperor Xiaowen changed Tuoba to the surname Yuan and stipulated that Buliugu, Helai, Dugu, Helou, Wuniuyu, Qiumuling, Hexi, and Yuchi change respectively to Lu, He, Liu, Lou, Yu, Mu, Ji, and Wei.
Historical Records
Surname and Clan制度
In Emperor Xiaowen's Northern Wei reforms, determining surnames and clans distinguished the status of Han scholars and Xianbei nobles; the surname changes took place in the year after surnames and clans were established.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
The Eight Surname Lineages
The eight surnames Mu, Lu, He, Liu, Lou, Yu, Ji, and Wei were ranked alongside the four major Han surnames Cui, Lu, Zheng, and Wang.
Migration and Distribution
Southward Migration and States
After the Western Jin collapsed in the fourth century, the Xianbei migrated southward and successively established Former Yan, Later Yan, Western Yan, Southern Yan, Dai, Western Qin, Southern Liang, and Northern Wei in the north.
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