次
Ci
Pronounced like: "Ts-uh"
Other Spellings: Ci, Tzu, Tsz, Chi, Cí
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Ci Family Name
The origins of the 'Ci' surname are diverse and deeply rooted in early Chinese history. One primary source is traced back to the Warring States Period, particularly associated with the state of Yan. It is famously linked to the hero Ci Fei, a man of legendary bravery who was immortalized in texts for his martial prowess. Another significant origin is occupational; during the Zhou Dynasty, 'Ci' was used as a title for secondary officials or assistants in the imperial court, and descendants adopted the title as their surname. Additionally, some branches of the family may have originated from ancient place names or small fiefs granted to noble families who later simplified their identifiers to the single character 'Ci'.
What Does the Chinese Surname Ci Mean?
The Chinese surname 'Ci' (次) literally translates to 'order', 'sequence', or 'second'. In ancient Chinese semantics, it often referred to a secondary or auxiliary position within a hierarchy or a temporary resting place during a journey. As a family name, it embodies the concept of systematic progression and structural integrity. It suggests a lineage that values tradition, organization, and the fulfillment of specific societal or familial roles. The character's composition historically points to concepts of breath or lack, which evolved into meanings of staying or stopping, implying a grounded and stable ancestral foundation for those who bear the name today.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Ci
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Ci | Mandarin |
| Tzu | Wade-Giles |
| Tsz | Cantonese |
| Chi | Alternative Romanization |
| Cí | Pinyin with Tone |
Famous People With the Surname Ci
1. Ci Fei: A legendary swordsman from the Warring States period, celebrated for his courage in slaying two dragons that attacked his boat while crossing a river.
2. Ci Cheng: A respected administrative official during the Han Dynasty, known for his dedication to justice and improving the welfare of the peasantry in his jurisdiction.
3. Ci Xian: A scholar-official of the Ming Dynasty who contributed significantly to the compilation of local gazetteers and the promotion of Confucian education in southern China.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 次 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 Ci (次) mean?+
The Chinese surname 'Ci' (次) literally translates to 'order', 'sequence', or 'second'. In ancient Chinese semantics, it often referred to a secondary or auxiliary position within a hierarchy or a temporary resting place during a journey. As a family name, it embodies the concept of systematic progression and structural integrity. It suggests a lineage that values tradition, organization, and the fulfillment of specific societal or familial roles. The character's composition historically points to concepts of breath or lack, which evolved into meanings of staying or stopping, implying a grounded and stable ancestral foundation for those who bear the name today.
How common is the surname Ci?+
The surname Ci ranks approximately #599 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 次?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Ci. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Ts-uh".
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.