马
Traditional: 馬
Ma
Pronounced like: "Mah"
Other Spellings: Mah, Beh, Mar, Maa, Ma
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Ma Family Name
The primary origin of the Ma surname traces back to Zhao She, a famous general of the State of Zhao during the Warring States Period. After a major victory, he was granted the fief of 'Mafu' and the title of 'Lord of Mafu' (Mafu Jun). His descendants simplified this title to 'Ma' as their family name. Another source is the ancient government office 'Sima', responsible for military horses; some descendants dropped the first character to adopt 'Ma'. Furthermore, many ethnic minorities in China, particularly the Hui, adopted the surname during the Tang and Ming dynasties as a sinicized version of Islamic names.
What Does the Chinese Surname Ma Mean?
The surname 'Ma' literally translates to 'Horse' in Chinese. In traditional Chinese culture, the horse is a powerful symbol of speed, strength, and nobility. Historically, the name often emerged from official military titles related to the management of horses or cavalry, most notably the 'Sima' (Minister of War). Over centuries, the name has become synonymous with martial prowess and leadership. It is also uniquely significant among China's Muslim populations (such as the Hui people), where it was frequently adopted as a phonetic abbreviation for the name 'Muhammad', further diversifying its cultural depth.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Ma
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Mah | Cantonese |
| Beh | Hokkien/Teochew |
| Mar | Fuzhou |
| Maa | Macanese |
| Ma | Vietnamese |
Famous People With the Surname Ma
1. Ma Yuan (14 BC – 49 AD): A legendary general of the Eastern Han Dynasty who played a crucial role in consolidating the empire's borders, known for his motto 'to die on the battlefield and be wrapped in horse leather'.
2. Ma Chao (176 – 222): A prominent military general and warlord of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms era, celebrated for his exceptional bravery as one of the Five Tiger Generals.
3. Ma Zhiyuan (1250 – 1321): A renowned poet and dramatist of the Yuan Dynasty, widely regarded as one of the 'Four Great Masters of Yuan Drama' and famous for his lyrical 'Qu' poetry.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 马 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 Ma (马) mean?+
The surname 'Ma' literally translates to 'Horse' in Chinese. In traditional Chinese culture, the horse is a powerful symbol of speed, strength, and nobility. Historically, the name often emerged from official military titles related to the management of horses or cavalry, most notably the 'Sima' (Minister of War). Over centuries, the name has become synonymous with martial prowess and leadership. It is also uniquely significant among China's Muslim populations (such as the Hui people), where it was frequently adopted as a phonetic abbreviation for the name 'Muhammad', further diversifying its cultural depth.
How common is the surname Ma?+
The surname Ma ranks approximately #13 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 马?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Ma. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Mah".
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.