安
An
Pronounced like: "Ahn"
Other Spellings: Ahn, An, Ann, On, Ngān
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the An Family Name
The history of the surname An is diverse and cosmopolitan. One primary source is the ancient state of An in present-day Shanxi during the Western Zhou period. However, a significant lineage traces back to the Arsacid Empire (Parthia) in ancient Persia. During the Han Dynasty, the Parthian crown prince, known in Chinese as An Shigao, renounced his throne to become a Buddhist monk and settled in China, adopting 'An' as his surname from 'Anxi' (the Chinese name for Parthia). Another major source is from the Sogdian people of Central Asia, specifically the 'Nine Sogdian Surnames' who migrated along the Silk Road. During the Tang Dynasty, many foreign groups were granted or adopted this surname to signify their assimilation into Chinese society. It is also found among various ethnic minorities like the Manchu and Mongols.
What Does the Chinese Surname An Mean?
The character 'An' (安) is a profound and auspicious Chinese surname that literally translates to 'peace', 'safety', 'tranquility', or 'contentment'. Visually, the character is a compound ideograph depicting a woman (女) under a roof (宀), symbolizing that a household is stable and peaceful when a woman is present or when one has a secure dwelling. Beyond its literal sense, it conveys a philosophical state of being settled and free from disturbance. In Chinese culture, it is often paired with other characters to form essential terms like 'ping'an' (safety) and 'anshin' (peace of mind). It reflects a deep-seated cultural value placed on stability and the harmony of the domestic sphere as the foundation for a prosperous society.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of An
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Ahn | Korea |
| An | Vietnam |
| Ann | English-speaking countries |
| On | Cantonese |
| Ngān | Hakka |
Famous People With the Surname An
1. An Shigao (2nd Century): A Parthian prince who abdicated his throne to become a Buddhist missionary in China, famously translating numerous Indian sutras into Chinese.
2. An Lushan (703–757): A powerful general of Sogdian and Turkic origin during the Tang Dynasty who instigated the An Lushan Rebellion, a pivotal event that forever changed the empire.
3. An Weijun (1854–1925): A prominent Qing Dynasty official and scholar known for his outspokenness and integrity in criticizing government corruption during the late imperial era.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 安 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname An (安) mean?+
The character 'An' (安) is a profound and auspicious Chinese surname that literally translates to 'peace', 'safety', 'tranquility', or 'contentment'. Visually, the character is a compound ideograph depicting a woman (女) under a roof (宀), symbolizing that a household is stable and peaceful when a woman is present or when one has a secure dwelling. Beyond its literal sense, it conveys a philosophical state of being settled and free from disturbance. In Chinese culture, it is often paired with other characters to form essential terms like 'ping'an' (safety) and 'anshin' (peace of mind). It reflects a deep-seated cultural value placed on stability and the harmony of the domestic sphere as the foundation for a prosperous society.
How common is the surname An?+
The surname An ranks approximately #110 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 安?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as An. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Ahn".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.