费
Traditional: 費
Fei
Pronounced like: "Fay"
Other Spellings: Fee, Fai, Hui, Phi, Hi
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Fei Family Name
The primary origin of the Fei surname traces back to the Ying (嬴) clan. It is said that Bo Yi, a descendant of Emperor Zhuanxu, assisted Great Yu in controlling floods and was granted the surname Ying. His descendant, Ruomu, was enfeoffed in the state of Xu, and another descendant was later granted the fief of Fei (in modern-day Shandong), from which the surname was adopted. Another major branch originates from the Ji (姬) clan of the Lu State during the Spring and Autumn period. A son of Duke Huan of Lu was granted the land of Fei, and his descendants subsequently adopted 'Fei' as their family name. These dual origins highlight the noble roots of the surname in both legendary ancestral service and royal bloodlines of the Zhou Dynasty.
What Does the Chinese Surname Fei Mean?
The surname 'Fei' (费) primarily derives from ancient place names. In modern Chinese, the character itself carries meanings such as 'expenses,' 'cost,' 'to spend,' or 'waste.' However, as a surname, it signifies a connection to the historic Fief of Fei. In the context of ancient Chinese geography and social structures, it represented a specific territory granted to noble families. The character is composed of the 'shell' radical (representing currency or value) and the 'Fu' component, suggesting its historical ties to economic or administrative governance within a specific region. It is a name that conveys a legacy of stewardship and regional authority from the early dynastic periods of China, marking it as a name of administrative significance.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Fei
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Fee | Cantonese |
| Fai | Cantonese |
| Hui | Hokkien |
| Phi | Vietnamese |
| Hi | Korean |
Famous People With the Surname Fei
1. Fei Yi: A prominent statesman and general of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period, known for his wisdom and role as one of the four great prime ministers of Shu.
2. Fei Xiaotong: A world-renowned Chinese sociologist and anthropologist, famous for his pioneering studies in the social structure of Chinese villages and ethnic groups.
3. Fei Junlong: A celebrated Chinese taikonaut and commander of the Shenzhou 6 mission, who played a crucial role in advancing China's manned space exploration program.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 费 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 Fei (费) mean?+
The surname 'Fei' (费) primarily derives from ancient place names. In modern Chinese, the character itself carries meanings such as 'expenses,' 'cost,' 'to spend,' or 'waste.' However, as a surname, it signifies a connection to the historic Fief of Fei. In the context of ancient Chinese geography and social structures, it represented a specific territory granted to noble families. The character is composed of the 'shell' radical (representing currency or value) and the 'Fu' component, suggesting its historical ties to economic or administrative governance within a specific region. It is a name that conveys a legacy of stewardship and regional authority from the early dynastic periods of China, marking it as a name of administrative significance.
How common is the surname Fei?+
The surname Fei ranks approximately #162 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 费?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Fei. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Fay".
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.