Here is a Chinese last names list which are categorized in popularity:
1. Huang
This is the most popular surname in China. This surname has the meaning of "yellow" and has originated from the ancient Huang Kingdom founded in the 7th century B.C.
2. Feng
Popular Chinese last name Feng means "abundance" or "prosperity" in Chinese. It is the surname that has its origin in the city of Feng, situated in the Wei state which existed during the Zhou Dynasty around the tenth century BC.
3. Cai
Cai has its name derived from Cai, an ancient Chinese state. The surname Cai also means "firewood."
4. Fei
Fei is a Chinese last name among the Chinese community in the United States. It is the Mandarin transliteration of a Chinese surname that means "to cost," "to spend," "fee," "wasteful," or "expenses."
5. Lin
The surname Lin most likely comes from the late Shang Dynasty and signifies "a forest" or "tall trees."
6. Ma
The surname Ma is one of the most popular Chinese last names. It has multiple meanings in Chinese. The most common meaning is "horse," but it can also represent "bravery" or "speed."
7. Sun
Sun is one of the most popular Chinese surnames. It has multiple meanings, including "grandchild" or "descendant," as well as "sunlight" or "brightness."
8. Chen
In Xiamen, a port city on the Southeastern coast of China, Chen is a popular surname. It has the meaning of "exhibit" or something "ancient or old."
9. Zhang
Zhang is a surname for Chinese with multiple meanings. It can represent "stretch," "extend," or "open up."
10. Xu
Xu is a popular Chinese last name with the meaning of "calm," "slow," or "Xu surname," and it can also represent the transliteration of a surname.
11. Yang
Yang is the sixth most popular and common surname in Mainland China. The meaning of this is "goat" or "sheep".
12. Wu
In Cantonese, the Chinese surname Wu is pronounced as Mo. It has the meanings of "martial", "military", and "martial arts". So, Mo is a Cantonese transliteration of the Chinese surname Wu.
13. Hong
The popular Chinese last name Hong has several meanings as "red," symbolizing passion and happiness. Additionally, Hong can also represent "flood," symbolizing strength and power.
14. Hsiung
Hsiung is a popular Chinese last name that means "bear". Bears are often associated with strength and courage in Chinese culture.
15. Ding
Ding is a popular Chinese last name which has a few different meanings. One meaning is "nail," symbolizing strength and stability. Another meaning is "top" or "peak," representing the highest point.
16. Qui
Qui is a beautiful and nature-inspired last name that means "hills" in Chinese.
17. Gu
The Chinese surname Gu is derived from a word that means "to care for." This surname represents the idea of caring for and looking after others.
18. Cui
In Mandarin Chinese, the surname Cui means "lofty" in ancient Chinese. It is also a habitational name derived from the place name Cui, which was a fief granted to Ji Zi, the eldest son of Duke Ding of Qi during the reign of the state of Qi from 1014 to 975 BC.
19. Tang
The Tang family name has a fascinating history as it traces its lineage back to the Tang of Shang, the first ruler of the Shang dynasty. In modern times, the character can also mean "soup" or "broth."
20. Zhanlan
Zhanlan is a popular Chinese last name which has been originated from two words: Zhan means "bright" or "brilliant," while lan means "orchid." So, Zhanlan can be interpreted as a "bright orchid."
21. Ke
Ke represents the "trunk" or "stem of a tree". It symbolizes strength, stability, and growth. So, the last name Ke can be understood as someone with a strong and resilient nature, like the sturdy trunk of a tree.
22. Jiang
Jiang is a last name with a rich meaning "rivers", symbolizing the flow and vitality of water. It also signifies the power of nature and the source of life. Thus, the surname Jiang signifies vitality and life force.
23. Xingyun
The meaning of the last name Xingyun is "luck" or "good fortune". It transfers meaning, representing happiness, good luck, and auspiciousness.
24. Kang
The meaning of Kang is "health" or "well-being" which represents a state of good health and happiness. Thus, the surname Kang can be understood as a symbol of having good health and well-being.
25. Yinchen
The surname Yinchen is derived from the two words Yin which means "plentiful" and Chen meaning "dawn" or "morning". So, the name Yinchen signifies a bountiful and promising start to the day.
26. Meng
Meng means "first" or "one who is eminent." It shows someone who is distinguished or holds a significant position.
27. Eng
The meaning of the popular Chinese last name Eng is "honor," "glory," or "dignity." It is a well-regarded surname in the Chinese community, symbolizing family prestige and status.
28. Jen
Jen is a popular Chinese last name with multiple meanings. It can be interpreted as "responsible," "to undertake," or "Jen surname," and it is widely found in the Chinese population.
29. Chiang
Chiang has various meanings as "river," "dense," or "Chiang surname," carrying rich symbolic significance. The Chiang surname is relatively popular among the Chinese population and is considered an important surname.
30. Kwan
Kwan is a popular Chinese surname with various meanings such as "close," "relation," or "gate," symbolizing connections and relationships. This is relatively common among the Chinese population and holds significance.
31. Ping
The last name Ping means "peaceful," "harmonious," or "equal." It signifies a sense of tranquility, harmony, and fairness.
32. Rong
Rong is a Chinese surname with a meaningful interpretation. This last name translates as "harmony," "integration," or "fusion," representing unity and a harmonious nature.
33. Tzeng
Tzeng is a last name in Taiwan within the Chinese community. It holds the meaning of "once," "already," "ever" (in the past), "former," and "previously," and serves as a past tense marker before a verb or clause.
34. Wee
Wee is a popular Chinese surname that holds the meaning of "power" or "prestige." It shows strength and authority.
35. Wang
Wang is a popular Chinese surname that is often interpreted as meaning "king" or "monarch." The Wang surname is widely prevalent in the Chinese population and is considered a prestigious and esteemed surname.
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