Surname Overview
A Rare Surname
Zi, pronounced zǐ, is a relatively rare surname in current use. It occurs among both the Han and Bouyei peoples and is recorded in the clan-name sections of Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi.
Zi Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 6,536Zi / Zi
Origins
Western Qiang and Color-Based Origins
One account identifies it as a Western Qiang surname, written 姐 but pronounced like 紫. Another derives it from adopting a color as a surname, comparable to Hong and Chi.
Adoption by the Chai Clan
During the Tang dynasty, members of the Chai clan of Pingyang Commandery reportedly changed their surname to Zi to escape calamity.
Migration and Distribution
Modern Distribution
The Zi surname is found in Xintai, Pingxiang, Huainan, Huangmei, Jiading, Taichung, Taipei, Taoyuan, Tainan, Wanquan, Dongchuan, Wanding, and Luding, as well as Beijing, Wuqing, Jingxian, Taiyuan, Jincheng, Hancheng, Wuchang, Laohekou, and Dabu.
Notable People
Song-Dynasty Figures
In the Song dynasty, Zi Jingwang served as prefect of Yongzhou, while Zi Jian served as assistant magistrate of Shifang County.
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