Chinese Last Names

Chinese surnames (姓氏, xìngshì) carry thousands of years of history and cultural significance. There are over 6,000 recorded Chinese surnames, though the top 100 account for about 85% of the population. Explore the most common Chinese last names below, each with its unique origin story, meaning, and famous bearers.

王

Wáng

#1

King, monarch, ruler. The character depicts an axe, symbolizing authority and power.

~101 million

李

Lǐ

#2

Plum tree. The character combines 木 (wood/tree) and 子 (child/seed), representing the plum tree.

~95 million

张

Zhāng

#3

To draw a bow, to stretch, to open. The character combines 弓 (bow) and 长 (long).

~87 million