Xian Surname

Surname Overview

The Xian surname is widely distributed but uncommon; after the Han dynasty, it formed a prominent lineage in Runan Commandery and has not entered China's top 300 surnames by population.

Reference: 咸姓_咸姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

Several origin traditions are recorded for the Xian surname, including branches from Xianqiu Hei, minister of Emperor Ku; Wu Xian, a Shang minister; the Jin ruling clan; and the Mi lineage of Chu. Traditions also mention a line from Emperor Shun and origins among the Manchu, Hui, Mongol, and Korean peoples.

Reference: 咸姓_咸姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The Xian surname is included in the Clan Records of the Zheng Tongzhi, Xu Tongzhi, and Qing Tongzhi. The Xingyuan records descent from Wu Xian, while another account says a Jin clan grandee was called Xian after the crisis caused by Li Ji.

Reference: 咸姓_咸姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commandery and Hall Names

The recorded commanderies are Runan and Jiangling. Hall names include Runan Hall, Yanggen Hall, also called Jiangling Hall, and Hanxiang Hall.

Reference: 咸姓_咸姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

The Xian surname was active early in Shandong and Henan, later moving to Jiangsu and Shanxi because of warfare, official service, and other causes. It is now distributed across many parts of China, as well as Japan and Moscow, Russia.

Reference: 咸姓_咸姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figure

Xian Ji was one of the eighteen scholars during Emperor Xuanzong's Kaiyuan era. The court commissioned Dong E to portray the eighteen scholars and record their names and other information.

Reference: 咸姓_咸姓的来源和历史_百家姓