Ge

Pronounced like: "Guh"

Other Spellings: Kot, Kat, Cát, Gal, Katsu

Quick Facts

SurnameGe ()
Rank in China#110
Element (Wu Xing)Wood
Ancient RootYing (嬴) / Ge Tian Shi (葛天氏)
Origin EraXia Dynasty

Origin and History of the Ge Family Name

Der Nachname Ge hat mehrere historische Quellen. Die prominenteste Linie geht auf den Staat Ge zurück, einen Vasallenstaat während der Xia-Dynastie im heutigen Henan. Die Herrscher dieses Staates waren Nachkommen des legendären Beamten Boyi. Als der Staat schließlich erobert wurde, nahmen die Menschen den Namen ihrer Heimat an, um ihre Identität zu bewahren. Ein weiterer Zweig stammt von Ge Tian Shi ab, einem legendären Stammesführer aus prähistorischer Zeit, der für die Erfindung alter Musik und Tänze gefeiert wurde. Während der Nördlichen Wei-Dynastie wurde der Name auch von ethnischen Xianbei-Familien übernommen.

What Does the Chinese Surname Ge Mean?

Der Nachname Ge (葛) bezieht sich auf die Kudzu-Rebe, auch bekannt als Pueraria lobata. Im alten China war diese Pflanze sowohl für das Überleben als auch für die Industrie von großer Bedeutung. Ihre faserigen Stängel wurden geerntet und zu 'Ge-Tuch' verarbeitet, einem langlebigen und atmungsaktiven Textil, das vor der weiten Verbreitung von Baumwolle für Kleidung verwendet wurde. Zusätzlich wurden die Wurzeln als Nahrungsmittel und in der traditionellen chinesischen Medizin verwendet. Das Schriftzeichen symbolisiert eine Verbindung zur Erde und zur natürlichen Erfindungskraft und spiegelt die alten agrarischen Wurzeln der chinesischen Zivilisation wider.

Global Pronunciation and Variants of Ge

VariantPrimary Region
KotCantonese
KatHakka
CátVietnamese
GalKorean
KatsuJapanese

Famous People With the Surname Ge

1. Ge Hong: Ein berühmter Philosoph, Arzt und Alchemist der Jin-Dynastie, der das Werk 'Baopuzi' verfasste, einen Grundlagentext des Taoismus.

2. Ge Xuan: Ein gefeierter taoistischer Meister der östlichen Wu-Zeit, bekannt als 'Großherzog von Ge' und eine Schlüsselfigur der Lingbao-Schule.

3. Ge Yunfei: Ein mutiger General der Qing-Dynastie, der im Ersten Opiumkrieg diente und für seine heldenhafte Verteidigung in der Schlacht von Dinghai bekannt ist.

Clan Motto

Traditional clan mottos for the 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 Ge (葛) mean?+

The surname Ge (葛) refers to the Kudzu vine, also known as Pueraria lobata. In ancient China, this plant was highly significant for both survival and industry. Its fibrous stalks were harvested and processed into 'Ge cloth,' a durable and breathable textile used for clothing before the widespread adoption of cotton. Additionally, its roots were used for food and traditional Chinese medicine. The character signifies a connection to the earth and natural resourcefulness, reflecting the ancient agrarian roots of the Chinese civilization where the plant was vital for weaving, sustenance, and health.

How common is the surname Ge?+

The surname Ge ranks approximately #110 among all Chinese surnames.

How do you pronounce the surname 葛?+

In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Ge. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Guh".

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.