Wei Surname

Surname Overview

The surname Wei is pronounced wèi. It is a rare surname, ranked 478th, with a population of about 70,000.

Reference: 位氏百科-位氏族谱-位氏起源-位氏家谱-族谱网

Origins

Origin

The surname Wei is traced to descendants of Yutian King Wei Shi of the Western Han period. Wei Shi was recorded as the younger brother of the Xiongnu king and was later made king of Yutian; his descendants adopted his name as their surname.

Reference: 位姓_位姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Historical Record

The Book of the Later Han, chapter 88, records that Wei Shi was installed as king of Yutian, was later killed together with other kings, and that his son Rong fled to Han and was made Marquis of Shoujie.

Reference: 位姓_位姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Geographic Distribution

The surname Wei is broadly distributed but not numerous, and is found in Henan, Hebei, Shanxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Guangdong, Shandong, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Gansu, and other provinces.

Reference: 位姓_位姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Wei Ju lived in the state of Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. In the Ming dynasty, Wei An of Yexian became a tribute student in the second year of the Jiajing era and served as an instructor; Wei Zhigao was also a Ming-dynasty man of letters.

Reference: 位姓_位姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

Genealogical Boundary

The connection between the surname Wei and descendants of Wei Shi remains presented as a possibility. The records state that it may have arisen among descendants of Wei Shi's son Rong, and also say that some descendants of Wei Shi may have adopted Wei as their surname.

Reference: 位姓_位姓的来源和历史_百家姓