税
Traditional: 稅
Shui
Pronounced like: "Shway"
Other Spellings: Shui, Seui, Shuey, Suey, Soei
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Shui Family Name
The origins of the Shui surname are primarily associated with professional titles and regional developments. One major lineage traces back to the Qin and Han dynasties, where descendants of 'Tax Officials' (Shui Li) adopted their office title as a surname to honor their family's status. Another significant origin is linked to the ancient Shu region (modern Sichuan), where local ethnic clans adopted the name during their integration into Han Chinese society. Some historical accounts also suggest the surname may have branched from the 'He' or 'Li' clans during periods of migration or as a result of imperial decree. Throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Shui family became a respected lineage in the Chengdu Plain, maintaining a tradition of scholarship and local governance.
What Does the Chinese Surname Shui Mean?
The surname 'Shui' (税) literally means 'tax' or 'revenue' in the Chinese language. Etymologically, it is composed of the 'grain' (禾) radical and the 'exchange' (兑) component, which historically signified the portion of the agricultural harvest paid to the state. In a genealogical context, this surname is largely vocational, representing families whose ancestors served as officials in charge of tax collection or treasury management in ancient imperial administrations. It signifies a heritage of civil service, financial expertise, and administrative order. The name is relatively rare today and holds a distinctive cultural presence, particularly in southwestern China where the clan has deep historical roots across several centuries.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Shui
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Shui | Mandarin |
| Seui | Cantonese |
| Shuey | Anglicized |
| Suey | Hokkien-based |
| Soei | Indonesian-Chinese |
Famous People With the Surname Shui
1. Shui Anli: A distinguished geographer of the Southern Song Dynasty who authored the 'Lidai Dili Zhizhang Tu', a seminal historical atlas of ancient China.
2. Shui Xitai: A prominent educator and revolutionary in the early 20th century, known for his contributions to modernizing the school system in Sichuan province.
3. Shui Yue: A respected scholar-official of the Ming Dynasty recognized for his integrity and his efforts in managing local agricultural irrigation systems.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 税 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 Shui (税) mean?+
The surname 'Shui' (税) literally means 'tax' or 'revenue' in the Chinese language. Etymologically, it is composed of the 'grain' (禾) radical and the 'exchange' (兑) component, which historically signified the portion of the agricultural harvest paid to the state. In a genealogical context, this surname is largely vocational, representing families whose ancestors served as officials in charge of tax collection or treasury management in ancient imperial administrations. It signifies a heritage of civil service, financial expertise, and administrative order. The name is relatively rare today and holds a distinctive cultural presence, particularly in southwestern China where the clan has deep historical roots across several centuries.
How common is the surname Shui?+
The surname Shui ranks approximately #452 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 税?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Shui. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Shway".
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.