Explore the historical origins of Chinese surnames

Surname Story

Origin and History of the Surname 亓

Sure, I'd be happy to tell you the story of the Chinese surname “Qi” and provide some historical figures with this surname.

The surname “Qi”, pronounced as “qí” in Chinese, is a rare surname with a unique history. According to historical records, the surname “Qi” originated from the name of an ancient state during the Zhou Dynasty called Qi State. The descendants of the rulers or nobles of Qi State took the state name as their surname, which eventually evolved into the modern surname “Qi”.

In terms of historical figures with the surname “Qi”, one notable example is Qi Jiguang, a military general and national hero during the Ming Dynasty. He was famous for his bravery and military strategies, successfully defending China against Japanese invaders in the late Ming period.

Another figure worth mentioning is Qi Xiqiang, a contemporary Chinese painter known for his landscapes and traditional Chinese paintings. His artworks are highly regarded in the art circle.

These are just two examples among many individuals with the surname “Qi” who have made significant contributions in various fields throughout history. The surname “Qi”, although not as common as some other Chinese surnames, carries a rich historical and cultural background.