Tan Surname

Surname Overview

Form and Population

Tan is written 譚 in traditional Chinese and pronounced tán; its population is estimated at over five million, ranking 56th among common Chinese surnames.

Reference: 谭氏百科-谭氏族谱-谭氏起源-谭氏家谱-族谱网

Origins

Two Ancient Origins

The surname is described as having two principal origins, Ying and Ji. The Ying branch came from the state of Tan, while the Ji branch came from Tan Bo's fief; descendants took the state or fief name as their surname.

Reference: 谭姓起源分布与家谱家族

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Names

The surname's commanderies include Jiyang, Qi, and Hongnong. Its hall names include Shanduan and Duanjie, as well as Jinan and Hongnong.

Reference: 谭氏百科-谭氏族谱-谭氏起源-谭氏家谱-族谱网

Migration and Distribution

Before the Qin period, the surname was active in Shandong and Henan. By the Tang dynasty it was a prominent surname in Hunan, with its main population having moved from the north into southern China; during the Ming and Qing periods, Tan communities also formed in Jiaodong and Liaodong.

Reference: 谭姓起源分布与家谱家族

Notable People

Historical Figures

Historical figures bearing the surname include Tan Zhong of the Tang dynasty; Tan Lun and Tan Yuan Chun of the Ming dynasty; Tan Shaoguang of the late Qing period; and the modern figures Tan Sitong, Tan Yankai, and Tan Pingshan.

Reference: 谭氏百科-谭氏族谱-谭氏起源-谭氏家谱-族谱网

Research Notes

Different Claims About Tan State Lineage

Records differ on whether the state of Tan belonged to the Si or Ying lineage. The claim that the Tan lineage in Banan descended from Panhu is also recorded as requiring further examination.

Reference: 谭氏百科-谭氏族谱-谭氏起源-谭氏家谱-族谱网