– Simplified version 插画简易版-
Ever wonder how Chinese family names or surnames came about? According to “The Hundred Family Surnames” or “Bai Jia Xing”, there are close to 500 hundred surnames, both single-character and double-character surnames, recorded. We often say 姓xing and 氏shi collectively, that is 姓氏 or use them interchangeably. But did you know in the past each of them had an entirely different meaning?
Chinese family name has come a long way since its inception, it went far beyond just being a family name bearer, it is a distinct social status marker and living proof of blatant gender discrimination. Here’s a quick pictorial summary to illustrate the evolution of 姓氏, if you like to find out more, consider reading the full article here.
Pop Quiz！ Ready to test your knowledge and win a prize too? Head over to:
百家姓系列数码壁画，送礼自用两相宜，今日就拥有引以自豪的姓氏！Proud of your family name? Have it as a decorative mural today!
