葛
Ge
Pronounced like: "Guh"
Other Spellings: Kot, Kat, Cát, Gal, Katsu
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Ge Family Name
The Ge surname has several historical sources. The most prominent lineage traces back to the State of Ge, a vassal state during the Xia Dynasty located in modern-day Henan province. The rulers of this state were descendants of the legendary official Boyi. When the state was eventually conquered, the people adopted the name of their homeland to preserve their identity. Another branch originates from Ge Tian Shi, a legendary tribal leader from pre-historic times celebrated for inventing ancient music and dance. During the Northern Wei Dynasty, the surname was also adopted by ethnic Xianbei families who simplified their multi-syllabic names during Emperor Xiaowen's Sinicization reforms.
What Does the Chinese Surname Ge 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.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Ge
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Kot | Cantonese |
| Kat | Hakka |
| Cát | Vietnamese |
| Gal | Korean |
| Katsu | Japanese |
Famous People With the Surname Ge
1. Ge Hong: A famous Jin Dynasty philosopher, physician, and alchemist who wrote 'Baopuzi,' an essential text in Taoism that mixed spiritual practice with early chemistry.
2. Ge Xuan: A celebrated Taoist master from the Eastern Wu period, known as the 'Grand Duke of Ge' and a foundational figure of the Lingbao school of Taoism.
3. Ge Yunfei: A courageous Qing Dynasty general who served as a commander during the First Opium War, known for his heroic defense and ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Dinghai.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 葛 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.