覃
Qin
Pronounced like: "Cheen"
Other Spellings: Chum, Tham, Chin, Kam, Qin
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Qin Family Name
The origins of the 'Qin' surname are diverse and trace back to several distinct ancient roots. One major lineage originates from the ancient State of Qin (覃国) during the Xia Dynasty, located in what is now Henan province; after the state was conquered, its people adopted the name. A second significant source is from the Ba people (an ancient group in southwestern China), where the name evolved from tribal titles or geographical markers. Third, it is a primary surname among the Zhuang ethnic group in Guangxi, likely emerging through the integration of indigenous names and Han Chinese cultural influence. Genealogists also link some branches to the descendants of the legendary official Bo Yi, who were granted land in the Western Zhou Dynasty. Over centuries, these groups migrated southward, making the surname particularly prominent today in provinces like Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hunan.
What Does the Chinese Surname Qin Mean?
The surname 'Qin' (覃) is rich in etymological depth, representing the concept of 'extending,' 'deep,' or 'prolonged.' In the earliest Chinese dictionary, the 'Shuowen Jiezi,' it is visually associated with the ancient process of salt production, specifically depicting a tool or method used to spread salt for drying. Symbolically, the name suggests a lineage that is vast and enduring. It carries a connotation of resilience and profound legacy, often linked to the southern geographical landscapes of China. In some historical contexts, it is also interpreted as a place name or a reference to a deep valley, reflecting the connection between the early clans and their physical environment. As a surname, it embodies the virtues of persistence and cultural continuity, particularly within the southern multi-ethnic regions where the name flourished over millennia.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Qin
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Chum | Cantonese |
| Tham | Vietnamese |
| Chin | Wade-Giles |
| Kam | Zhuang/Tai-Kadai |
| Qin | Pinyin |
Famous People With the Surname Qin
1. Qin Zhen: A prominent revolutionary leader and politician of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, who was a founding member of the Tongmenghui and a key figure in the Xinhai Revolution.
2. Qin Yingji: A distinguished politician and revolutionary leader of the Zhuang ethnic group who served as a high-ranking official and played a vital role in the governance of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
3. Qin Naijun: A notable modern military figure and general in the People's Liberation Army, recognized for his strategic contributions and leadership during critical periods of contemporary Chinese history.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 覃 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 Qin (覃) mean?+
The surname 'Qin' (覃) is rich in etymological depth, representing the concept of 'extending,' 'deep,' or 'prolonged.' In the earliest Chinese dictionary, the 'Shuowen Jiezi,' it is visually associated with the ancient process of salt production, specifically depicting a tool or method used to spread salt for drying. Symbolically, the name suggests a lineage that is vast and enduring. It carries a connotation of resilience and profound legacy, often linked to the southern geographical landscapes of China. In some historical contexts, it is also interpreted as a place name or a reference to a deep valley, reflecting the connection between the early clans and their physical environment. As a surname, it embodies the virtues of persistence and cultural continuity, particularly within the southern multi-ethnic regions where the name flourished over millennia.
How common is the surname Qin?+
The surname Qin ranks approximately #108 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 覃?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Qin. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Cheen".
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.