裴
Pei
Pronounced like: "Pay"
Other Spellings: Bae, Bùi, Pui, Peh, Poy
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Pei Family Name
Der Nachname Pei stammt primär vom alten Ahnen-Nachnamen Ying (嬴) ab. Während der Westlichen Zhou-Dynastie erhielt ein Nachfahre des Qin-Königshauses ein Lehen in Pei (heutiges Shanxi). Seine Nachkommen nahmen den Ortsnamen als Nachnamen an, um an ihren adligen Status zu erinnern. Ein weiterer bedeutender Ursprung geht auf die Frühlings- und Herbstperiode zurück, als ein Beamter des Staates Jin in der Stadt Peicheng belehnt wurde. Die Linie konzentrierte sich schließlich im Kreis Wenxi, Provinz Shanxi, der zur Urheimat des illustren 'Wenxi Pei-Clans' wurde, einer Familie, die berühmterweise 59 Premierminister und 59 Generäle hervorbrachte.
What Does the Chinese Surname Pei Mean?
Das Schriftzeichen 'Pei' (裴) setzt sich aus dem Radikal für Kleidung (衣) und einer phonetischen Komponente zusammen. Historisch beschrieb es das Erscheinungsbild langer, fließender Gewänder oder die anmutige Bewegung herabhängender Kleidung. In einem breiteren Kontext vermittelt es ein Gefühl von Eleganz, Raffinesse und aristokratischer Würde. Symbolisch ist der Name untrennbar mit dem 'Pei-Clan von Wenxi' verbunden und repräsentiert eine der historischsten und intellektuellsten Abstammungslinien Chinas. Er deutet auf ein Erbe hin, das durch wissenschaftliche Leistungen und hohen sozialen Status gekennzeichnet ist, oft assoziiert mit der Elite der Gelehrtenbeamten.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Pei
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Bae | South Korea |
| Bùi | Vietnam |
| Pui | Hong Kong/Cantonese |
| Peh | Hokkien |
| Poy | Hakka |
Famous People With the Surname Pei
1. Pei Xiu (224–271): Ein bedeutender Geograph und Kartograph der Jin-Dynastie, der weithin als 'Vater der chinesischen Kartographie' gilt, da er die Sechs Prinzipien der Kartographie entwickelte.
2. Pei Songzhi (372–451): Ein angesehener Historiker der Liu-Song-Dynastie, bekannt für seine erschöpfenden Kommentare zu den 'Chroniken der Drei Reiche', die wichtige historische Daten bewahrten.
3. Pei Ju (548–627): Ein meisterhafter Diplomat und Politiker, der sowohl der Sui- als auch der Tang-Dynastie diente und eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Verwaltung der Beziehungen Chinas zu den Westlichen Regionen und der Seidenstraße spielte.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 裴 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 Pei (裴) mean?+
The character 'Pei' (裴) is composed of the radical for clothing (衣) and a phonetic component. Historically, it specifically described the appearance of long, flowing robes or the graceful movement of garments hanging down. In a broader linguistic context, it conveys a sense of elegance, refinement, and aristocratic dignity. Symbolically, the name is inextricably linked to the 'Pei Clan of Wenxi,' representing one of China's most historic and intellectual lineages. It suggests a heritage characterized by scholarly achievement and high social status, often associated with the elite scholar-official class in ancient Chinese society.
How common is the surname Pei?+
The surname Pei ranks approximately #168 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 裴?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Pei. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Pay".
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.