后
Traditional: 後
Hou
Pronounced like: "Hoh"
Other Spellings: Hou, Hau, Heo, Hô, Gâu
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Hou Family Name
The surname Hou primarily originates from the Xia Dynasty, where 'Hou' served as the title for the sovereign. The descendants of these early rulers adopted the title as their family name to preserve their royal heritage. A second origin comes from the official title 'Hou Guan' (后官), an administrative post responsible for managing the royal household; the offspring of these officials eventually took 'Hou' as their surname. Additionally, some branches trace their lineage to the legendary archer Hou Yi, who briefly held political power during the Xia era. Throughout history, various clans also simplified their complex noble names to Hou to avoid political turmoil or to integrate into the Han culture, leading to a small but geographically dispersed population concentrated in Henan and Shandong provinces.
What Does the Chinese Surname Hou Mean?
The character 'Hou' (后) historically designated a monarch or supreme ruler in ancient China, used even before the title 'Huangdi' (Emperor) was established. It symbolizes a figure of immense authority and administrative power. During the Xia Dynasty, kings were formally addressed as 'Hou'. Over the centuries, the term's primary meaning shifted to denote a 'queen' or 'empress' in the context of the imperial consort. In simplified Chinese, the character also serves as the written form for 'behind' or 'after' (originally written as 後), but as a surname, its etymology remains strictly rooted in ancient leadership and noble titles, representing an ancestral legacy of governance and high social standing.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Hou
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Hou | Mandarin |
| Hau | Cantonese |
| Heo | Korean |
| Hô | Vietnamese |
| Gâu | Hokkien |
Famous People With the Surname Hou
1. Hou Yi: A legendary archer and leader of the Youqiong tribe during the Xia Dynasty, famous for the myth of shooting down nine suns and briefly usurping the Xia throne.
2. Hou Cang: A highly influential Confucian scholar of the Western Han Dynasty who was an expert on the 'Book of Rites' and the 'Classic of Poetry,' instrumental in the preservation of ancient rituals.
3. Hou Kui: A respected government official during the Ming Dynasty, known for his administrative integrity, dedication to local education, and effective governance in the regions he served.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 后 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 Hou (后) mean?+
The character 'Hou' (后) historically designated a monarch or supreme ruler in ancient China, used even before the title 'Huangdi' (Emperor) was established. It symbolizes a figure of immense authority and administrative power. During the Xia Dynasty, kings were formally addressed as 'Hou'. Over the centuries, the term's primary meaning shifted to denote a 'queen' or 'empress' in the context of the imperial consort. In simplified Chinese, the character also serves as the written form for 'behind' or 'after' (originally written as 後), but as a surname, its etymology remains strictly rooted in ancient leadership and noble titles, representing an ancestral legacy of governance and high social standing.
How common is the surname Hou?+
The surname Hou ranks approximately #999 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 后?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Hou. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Hoh".
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.