Origins
Origin from a Ji surname fief
The Xi surname derives from the Ji surname: a collateral son of Su Fen-sheng, a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, was enfeoffed at Xi and his descendants adopted the fief name as their surname.
Xi Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 68,668Xi / Hsi
Historical Records
Surname origins in historical works
The Yuanhe Xingzuan records that the Xi surname came from the Ji surname and descended from Gaoyang, with a son of Su Fen-sheng enfeoffed at Xi. The Lu family record likewise says that a son of the Su family was enfeoffed at Xi.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies and ancestral hall
The Xi surname is associated with the Shanyang and Gaoping commanderies and the Wencheng Hall. The hall name is connected with Xi Jian's suppression of rebellions, his enfeoffment as Duke of Nanchang County, and his posthumous title Wencheng.
Migration and Distribution
Early homeland and Gaoping prominence
Xi was located in present-day Biyang County, Henan. The early homeland of the Xi surname was Qin-yang; it later developed into a prominent lineage in Gaoping, Shandong, around northwest Jinxiang County.
Notable People
Xi Jian and Xi Chao
Xi Jian was a major minister of the Eastern Jin; he led troops in suppressing the rebellions of Zu Yue and Su Jun, reached the office of Grand Commandant, and was enfeoffed as Duke of Nanchang County. His grandson Xi Chao was an Eastern Jin minister who served as Palace Secretariat and handled court affairs.
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