If you’re taking a Mandarin class or considering joining an online Chinese class, learning about Chinese surnames is a great way to connect with the language and culture on a deeper level. Chinese last names often have ancient origins and carry meanings tied to nature, history, and powerful dynasties. Despite massive Chinese population and rich diversity, a surprisingly small number of surnames are shared by a large portion of the people. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most common Chinese surnames, the stories behind them, how many people share them, and some famous individuals who carry these iconic names.

1. Wang (王)

• Meaning: “King”

• Percentage of population: ~7.25% (over 100 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Wang Yibo – Popular actor, singer, and dancer

  • Wang Wei – Renowned Tang Dynasty poet

• Fun fact: One of the most regal-sounding surnames, “Wang” was used by descendants of royal families and symbolizes leadership and authority.

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2. Li (李)

• Meaning: “Plum”

• Percentage of population: ~7.19% (about 100 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Li Bai – Iconic poet of the Tang Dynasty

  • Li Na – Groundbreaking tennis champion

• Fun fact: The surname Li dates back over 4,000 years and is associated with multiple royal lineages throughout Chinese history.

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3. Zhang (张)

• Meaning: “To stretch” or “to open” (derived from a bow and arrow)

• Percentage of population: ~6.8% (about 95 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Zhang Ziyi – Internationally acclaimed actress (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)

  • Zhang Yimou – Award-winning film director (Raise the Red Lantern, To Live)

• Fun fact: “Zhang” is believed to have originated from a military family and is symbolically linked to strength and readiness.

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4. Liu (刘)

• Meaning: “Kill” or “destroy” (original character), but now associated with royal lineage

• Percentage of population: ~5.4% (around 80 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Liu Bang – Founder of the Han Dynasty

  • Liu Wen – One of the most successful Chinese supermodels

• Fun fact: The Liu family ruled during one of the most prosperous dynasties in Chinese history—the Han Dynasty.

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5. Chen (陈)

• Meaning: “To exhibit” or “to display”

• Percentage of population: ~5.1% (about 75 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Chen Long – Olympic gold medalist in badminton

  • Chen Kaige – Renowned film director

• Fun fact: The Chen surname originated from a feudal state during the Zhou Dynasty, and is especially common in southern China.

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6. Yang (杨)

• Meaning: “Poplar tree”

• Percentage of population: ~3.1% (about 45 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Yang Mi – Popular actress and singer

  • Yang Liwei – China’s first astronaut in space

• Fun fact: The Yang family was prominent in several dynasties and is associated with military strength and resilience.

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7. Huang (黄)

• Meaning: “Yellow”

• Percentage of population: ~2.4% (about 35 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Huang Bo – Acclaimed actor and filmmaker

  • Huang Xiaoming – Actor and singer

• Fun fact: The color yellow was associated with royalty in imperial China, giving this surname an imperial flair.

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8. Zhao (赵)

• Meaning: Name of an ancient state (Zhao state in the Warring States period)

• Percentage of population: ~2.3% (about 33 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Zhao Wei (Vicki Zhao) – Famous actress and director

  • Zhao Yunlei – Olympic badminton champion

• Fun fact: “Zhao” was the first surname listed in the classic text Hundred Family Surnames, a traditional children’s primer in ancient China.

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9. Wu (吴)

• Meaning: Name of an ancient state (Wu Kingdom)

• Percentage of population: ~2.1% (about 30 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Wu Jing – Martial artist and director of Wolf Warrior

  • Wu Zetian – The only female emperor in Chinese history

• Fun fact: The Wu surname carries a strong legacy in southern China, especially in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

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10. Zhou (周)

• Meaning: “Circumference” or “around”

• Percentage of population: ~2.1% (around 30 million people)

• Famous people:

  • Zhou Enlai – Influential premier of the People’s Republic of China

  • Zhou Dongyu – Award-winning actress

• Fun fact: The Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC) is one of the most significant in Chinese history, and many people with this surname trace their roots back to this era.

Next time you meet someone with one of these Chinese surnames, you’ll know just how much history is behind their one character surname!