Surname Overview
Zi (資, zī) is a currently uncommon surname with a broad distribution but a small population.
Zi Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 39,679Zi / Zi
Origins
Two Origins
One account traces the surname to the Ji lineage, descendants of the Yellow Emperor who received a fief at Zizhong in Yizhou and adopted the place name as their surname. Another identifies the Zi surname among the Tusi of Luliang and Weimo in Yunnan and associates it with the Yi people.
Historical Records
Texts and Early Figure
The Clan Records sections of the Zheng Tongzhi, Xu Tongzhi, and Qing Tongzhi all include the Zi surname. Zi Cheng is recorded as a person from Chenliu in the Spring and Autumn period who served as a governor.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies of Origin
The Zi surname is associated with the commanderies of Nanyang and Kuaiji.
Migration and Distribution
Distribution
The Zi surname is found in Beijing; Huolu and Jingxian in Hebei; Dongping in Shandong; Taiyuan in Shanxi; Tianjun in Qinghai; Zhijiang and Lengshuijiang in Hunan; and Qiubei, Longchuan, and Lunan in Yunnan.
Notable People
Historical Figures
The Ming period included Zi Jin and Zi Yi, a Jiajing-era recommended candidate. The Qing period included Zi Jiali, who served as a patrol officer of Yixing County. Modern figures include Zi Yaohua, Zi Feng, and Zi Jianhou.
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Surname attestation references
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This page includes automatically organized material. Check the references and original family documents.
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