Tan Surname

Surname Overview

Tan is a rare Chinese surname currently found in Yifeng, Jiangxi.

Reference: 郯姓_郯姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Origin

One account traces the surname to the descendants of Shaohao of the Ying lineage. After being enfeoffed in Tan, their descendants adopted the state name as their surname after the state fell. The ancient state of Tan was southwest of present-day Tancheng, Shandong.

Reference: 郯姓_郯姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Records

The Clan Records sections of the Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi include the Tan surname. Related records state that Tanzi visited Lu during the Spring and Autumn period, understood ancient offices, and was studied by Confucius.

Reference: 郯姓_郯姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commandery and Variant

The Tan surname has Xiapi as its commandery origin, and it is also recorded as being written as Tan.

Reference: 郯姓_郯姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Distribution

The Tan surname is found in Wujin and Ganggu Township of Xinghua in Jiangsu, Yifeng and Bai jian Village of Chutan Township in Gan County in Jiangxi, and Taipei in Taiwan; Tan surname families are no longer found in the Tan area today.

Reference: 郯姓趣谈！_鲁国

Notable People

Historical Figures

Tan Shao was a native of Wuxing, Zhejiang, in the Yuan dynasty; he served as a canal administration clerk during the Zhizheng era and was skilled at landscape painting. Tan Wei was a native of Meizhou, Sichuan, in the Ming dynasty and served as assistant magistrate of Jianping County during the Chenghua era.

Reference: 郯姓_郯姓的来源和历史_百家姓