The surname 王 (Wang) originally denotes "king" or "monarch" and often traces back to ancient royal lineages, fiefdom names, and descendants of nobility in Chinese history. It is one of the most widespread Chinese surnames with deep cultural resonance; notable figures include 王羲之 (wang xizhi), 王昭君 (wang zhaojun), and 王健林 (wang jianlin).
Simplicity:
100
Pronunciation:
88
Meaning:
95
Cultural:
98
The surname Li (李) originally refers to the plum tree and traces back to ancient Chinese clans and fiefdoms, later becoming associated with several prominent lineages. Notable figures include 李白 (li bai), 李世民 (li shimin), and 李娜 (li na).
Simplicity:
92
Pronunciation:
95
Meaning:
90
Cultural:
98
The surname Chen originated from the ancient State of Chen (陳) in the Zhou dynasty, originally granted as a fief and later adopted as a clan name. It is one of the oldest and most historically significant Chinese surnames, associated with governance, scholarship, and widespread diaspora. Famous figures include 陈胜 (Chen Sheng), 陈独秀 (Chen Duxiu), 陈水扁 (Chen Shui-bian).
Simplicity:
90
Pronunciation:
82
Meaning:
85
Cultural:
94
The surname Zhang originated from ancient clans and is associated with the character meaning "to stretch" or "to open", originally linked to archery (弓) and expansion. It is one of the most widespread Chinese surnames with deep historical roots and notable bearers such as 张骞 (Zhang Qian), 张艺谋 (Zhang Yimou), 张国荣 (Zhang Guorong).
Simplicity:
95
Pronunciation:
82
Meaning:
88
Cultural:
95
The surname 林 originally refers to a place-name and literally means "forest" or "woods", symbolizing growth, prosperity and natural abundance in Chinese culture. Famous people include 林则徐 (lin zexu), 林徽因 (lin huiyin), 林书豪 (lin shuhao).
Simplicity:
90
Pronunciation:
93
Meaning:
90
Cultural:
92
The surname Liu (刘) originates from several ancient clans and place-names in China; the character in earlier forms related to a halberd/weapon but the name became especially prominent through the imperial Liu family of the Han dynasty, giving it long-standing prestige. Notable bearers include 刘邦 (Liu Bang), 刘备 (Liu Bei), and 刘慈欣 (Liu Cixin).
Simplicity:
92
Pronunciation:
82
Meaning:
78
Cultural:
95
The surname Yang (杨) originally referred to the poplar tree and traces back to several ancient clans in northern China, carrying connotations of growth and resilience. Notable bearers include 杨振宁 (yang zhenning), 杨玉环 (yang yuhuan), and 杨澜 (yang lan).
Simplicity:
88
Pronunciation:
83
Meaning:
78
Cultural:
88
The surname Huang (黄) literally means "yellow" and is traditionally connected to the Yellow Emperor and ancient geographic/tribal names, carrying imperial and cultural associations. Famous bearers include 黄帝 (huang di), 黄宗羲 (huang zongxi), and 黄晓明 (huang xiaoming).
Simplicity:
88
Pronunciation:
75
Meaning:
88
Cultural:
92
The surname Zhao originates from the ancient State of Zhao and later became a prominent clan name associated with leadership and nobility, notably Zhao Kuangyin (zhao kuangyin). It holds strong cultural weight in Chinese history and is borne by modern figures such as Zhao Ziyang (zhao ziyang) and Zhao Liying (zhao liying).
Simplicity:
90
Pronunciation:
65
Meaning:
82
Cultural:
93
The surname Sun (孙) originates from ancient Chinese clans and the character historically means "grandson" or "descendant", reflecting lineage and family continuity. Notable bearers include 孙武 (Sun Wu), 孙中山 (Sun Yat-sen), 孙杨 (Sun Yang).
Simplicity:
90
Pronunciation:
95
Meaning:
80
Cultural:
95
The surname Wu (吴) originates from the ancient state of Wu in the Yangtze River delta and traditionally denotes affiliation with that region; it has long-standing historical and regional significance in Chinese culture. Notable bearers include Wu Cheng'en (wu cheng'en), Wu Guanzhong (wu guanzhong), and Wu Jing (wu jing).
Simplicity:
92
Pronunciation:
85
Meaning:
82
Cultural:
92
Xiè is an ancient Chinese surname originating from the state of Xie (谢国) and various ancestral lineages; the character 谢 means "to thank" or "to express gratitude". It has notable historical and modern bearers, e.g., 谢安 (xie an), 谢霆锋 (xie tingfeng), 谢晋 (xie jin).
Simplicity:
85
Pronunciation:
65
Meaning:
85
Cultural:
90
📚 About Chinese Last Names
Chinese last names typically consist of one character and are placed before given names. The most common last names like 王 (Wang), 李 (Li), and 张 (Zhang) are shared by millions of people, reflecting ancient clan origins and historical migrations.
🔍 Tool Features
Browse 500+ Chinese last names with detailed information including pronunciation (pinyin), cultural meanings, historical origins, and scoring across 6 criteria: simplicity, pronunciation, meaning, visual aesthetics, cultural significance, and popularity. Combine your chosen surname with our
Name Generator for complete names.
💡 How to Use
Filter last names by initial letter (A-Z) or sort by different criteria. Click any last name card to view detailed information including full meaning, famous people with that last name, and comprehensive scoring. Use the pronunciation button (🔊) to hear accurate Mandarin pronunciation.