Surname Overview
The surname Xian is pronounced xiān and is currently uncommon.
Xian Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 61Xian / Xian
Origins
Three origin traditions are recorded: Emperor Gaozong of Song granted Bailing the surname Xian; Wang Xianzhi adopted Xian after fleeing defeat; and residents of Xianyuan County took Xian from the place name.
Historical Records
Documentary Attestations
The surname Xian is included in Xu Tongzhi: Clan Records; Xing shi kao lüe records that residents of Xianyuan County took the place name as their surname.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commandery Origin
The commandery origin associated with the Xian surname is Hanyang Commandery, corresponding to Hanyang Prefecture in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods, now Hanyang County in Wuhan, Hubei.
Migration and Distribution
Distribution
The Xian surname is found in Huolu of Hebei; Taiyuan, Datong, Yangquan, and Xinzhou of Shanxi; Guichi and Jingxian of Anhui; and Tonghai of Yunnan. It is also distributed in Xiaoshan, Zhejiang, and Weiyuan, Gansu.
Notable People
Historical Figures
In the Song dynasty, Xian Li served as Youwu Dafu and governor of Huizhou; in the Ming dynasty, Xian Zhi served as magistrate of Wenxi; and in the Qing dynasty, Xian Helin served as military governor of Hunan.
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