那
Na
Pronounced like: "Nah"
Other Spellings: Na, No, Ngai, Nara
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Na Family Name
The origins of the 'Na' surname are multifaceted. The earliest source is the State of Na, a minor vassal state located in present-day Hubei province during the Western Zhou and Spring and Autumn periods. After the state was annexed by the State of Chu, the descendants of the ruling house adopted 'Na' as their surname to commemorate their lost homeland. The second and perhaps most prominent source is the Manchu 'Nala' clan of the Qing Dynasty. The Nala clan was one of the most powerful and 'noble' families in Manchu society, famous for producing several Empresses and high-ranking officials. Following the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the subsequent Sinicization of Manchu names, many Nala clan members simplified their surname to the single syllable 'Na.' Additionally, some historical records suggest smaller lineages originating from tribal groups in southwestern China who adopted the name during various dynastic administrative reforms.
What Does the Chinese Surname Na Mean?
The surname 'Na' is primarily a toponymic name, tracing its roots back to the ancient State of Na during the Spring and Autumn period. In ancient Chinese linguistics, the character 'Na' also carried the connotation of being 'grand' or 'numerous.' Today, in modern Mandarin, the character is commonly used as a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or as an interrogative. The surname holds significant cultural prestige due to its close ties with the Manchu ethnic group, where it served as the primary shortened version of the aristocratic 'Nala' (or Nara) clan name. This dual origin—one stemming from Han Chinese feudal states thousands of years ago and the other from the Manchu imperial nobility—gives the surname a unique dual-identity within Chinese genealogy. It represents a blend of ancient territorial heritage and the integration of ethnic minorities into the Han-centric naming system.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Na
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Na | Mainland China |
| Na | Vietnam |
| No | Korea |
| Ngai | Hong Kong/Cantonese |
| Nara | Manchu Origin |
Famous People With the Surname Na
1. Na Yan: A high-ranking Qing Dynasty official and diplomat who served as the Minister of Revenue and played a significant role in the administration and fiscal reforms during the reign of the Jiaqing Emperor.
2. Na Tong: A prominent late Qing statesman and Grand Councilor who was a key figure in the Manchu government during the Boxer Rebellion and the subsequent diplomatic negotiations with Western powers.
3. Na Bin: A distinguished scholar and military official of the late 19th century known for his contributions to the defense and governance of China's northern border regions.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 那 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 Na (那) mean?+
The surname 'Na' is primarily a toponymic name, tracing its roots back to the ancient State of Na during the Spring and Autumn period. In ancient Chinese linguistics, the character 'Na' also carried the connotation of being 'grand' or 'numerous.' Today, in modern Mandarin, the character is commonly used as a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or as an interrogative. The surname holds significant cultural prestige due to its close ties with the Manchu ethnic group, where it served as the primary shortened version of the aristocratic 'Nala' (or Nara) clan name. This dual origin—one stemming from Han Chinese feudal states thousands of years ago and the other from the Manchu imperial nobility—gives the surname a unique dual-identity within Chinese genealogy. It represents a blend of ancient territorial heritage and the integration of ethnic minorities into the Han-centric naming system.
How common is the surname Na?+
The surname Na ranks approximately #248 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 那?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Na. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Nah".
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.