The Top 10 Most Common Chinese Surnames: Meanings, Origins & Stroke Order
Have you ever wondered why there seem to be so many people named "Lee" or "Wang"? In China, there is a famous expression: "Lǎobǎixìng" (老百姓), which literally means "The Old Hundred Names." It's a term used to refer to ordinary people, but it stems from the fact that a small group of surnames covers a massive portion of the population. Unlike in English, where surnames are incredibly diverse (Smith, Johnson, Miller...), in China, the top 100 surnames cover about 85% of the population. In this guide, we'll explore the most common Chinese surnames, what they literally mean, and most importantly for learners—how to write them with the correct stroke order.
Table of Contents
Why Stroke Order Matters for Names
Your name is often the first thing you learn to write in a new language. In Chinese culture, handwriting (Calligraphy) reflects one's character. Writing a surname like Wang (王) with the wrong stroke sequence is immediately noticeable to a native speaker.
Let's dive into the "Big 5" and other common surnames.
Let's dive into the "Big 5" and other common surnames.
1. Li (李) - "The Plum"
Pinyin: Lǐ
Ranking: #1 or #2 (It fluctuates with Wang (王))
Meaning: Literally, "Plum" or "Plum Tree". It was the imperial surname of the Tang Dynasty, one of China's golden ages, which is why it is so widespread today.
Famous People: Bruce Lee (Li Xiaolong), Li Bai (Famous Poet).
How to Write: It consists of two parts: "Wood" (木) on top and "Child" (子) on the bottom.
Top: Horizontal, Vertical, Left falling, Right falling.
Bottom: Horizontal hook, Horizontal.
Practice: Click here to see the full stroke order and details for Li (李)
Ranking: #1 or #2 (It fluctuates with Wang (王))
Meaning: Literally, "Plum" or "Plum Tree". It was the imperial surname of the Tang Dynasty, one of China's golden ages, which is why it is so widespread today.
Famous People: Bruce Lee (Li Xiaolong), Li Bai (Famous Poet).
How to Write: It consists of two parts: "Wood" (木) on top and "Child" (子) on the bottom.
Top: Horizontal, Vertical, Left falling, Right falling.
Bottom: Horizontal hook, Horizontal.
lǐ
2. Wang (王) - "The King"
Pinyin: Wáng
Ranking: #1 or #2
Meaning: "King" or "Monarch". It represents the ruler who connects Heaven (top line), Man (middle line), and Earth (bottom line) with a single vertical stroke.
Writing Tip: Many beginners write the three horizontal lines first. This is wrong. The correct order is:
1. Top Horizontal
2. Second Horizontal
3. Vertical
4. Bottom Horizontal
Practice: Master the "King" character Wang (王)
Ranking: #1 or #2
Meaning: "King" or "Monarch". It represents the ruler who connects Heaven (top line), Man (middle line), and Earth (bottom line) with a single vertical stroke.
Writing Tip: Many beginners write the three horizontal lines first. This is wrong. The correct order is:
1. Top Horizontal
2. Second Horizontal
3. Vertical
4. Bottom Horizontal
wáng
3. Zhang (张) - "The Archer"
Pinyin: Zhāng
Ranking: #3
Meaning: It is composed of "Bow" (弓) and "Long" (长). The literal meaning relates to drawing a bow or expanding.
Writing Tip: The left side "Bow" (弓) is tricky. It is only 3 strokes, not 4 or 5. Keep the flow smooth.
Practice: See the animation for Zhang (张)
Ranking: #3
Meaning: It is composed of "Bow" (弓) and "Long" (长). The literal meaning relates to drawing a bow or expanding.
Writing Tip: The left side "Bow" (弓) is tricky. It is only 3 strokes, not 4 or 5. Keep the flow smooth.
zhāng
4. Liu (刘) - "To Conquer"
Pinyin: Liú
Ranking: #4
Meaning: Historically associated with a weapon (axe). It was the surname of the emperors of the Han Dynasty.
Structure: Left side is "Man" (文 - simplified variant context), Right side is the "Knife" radical (刂).
Practice: Learn to write Liu (刘) correctly
Ranking: #4
Meaning: Historically associated with a weapon (axe). It was the surname of the emperors of the Han Dynasty.
Structure: Left side is "Man" (文 - simplified variant context), Right side is the "Knife" radical (刂).
liú
5. Chen (陈) - "To Explain" or "Old"
Pinyin: Chén
Ranking: #5
Meaning: Can mean "to state/explain" or "old/stale" depending on context, but as a surname, it originates from the ancient State of Chen.
Writing Tip: Pay attention to the "Ear" radical on the left (阝). It is written in 2 strokes: first the "3-like" shape, then the vertical line.
Practice: Stroke order guide for Chen (陈)
Ranking: #5
Meaning: Can mean "to state/explain" or "old/stale" depending on context, but as a surname, it originates from the ancient State of Chen.
Writing Tip: Pay attention to the "Ear" radical on the left (阝). It is written in 2 strokes: first the "3-like" shape, then the vertical line.
chén
Other Common Surnames You Should Know
6. Yang (杨)
Meaning: Poplar / Aspen tree. Structure: Wood radical (木) + Change (昜 - roughly).
Practice Yang (杨)
7. Zhao (赵)
Meaning: An ancient state name. The first surname listed in the classic "Hundred Family Surnames" poem.
Practice Zhao (赵)
8. Huang (黄)
Meaning: Yellow. The color of the Emperor and the earth.
Practice Huang (黄)
9. Zhou (周)
Meaning: Circumference / Cycle / Week.
Practice Zhou (周)
10. Wu (吴)
Meaning: A state name; historically associated with speaking loudly or shouting.
Practice Wu (吴)
Meaning: Poplar / Aspen tree. Structure: Wood radical (木) + Change (昜 - roughly).
yáng
7. Zhao (赵)
Meaning: An ancient state name. The first surname listed in the classic "Hundred Family Surnames" poem.
zhào
8. Huang (黄)
Meaning: Yellow. The color of the Emperor and the earth.
huáng
9. Zhou (周)
Meaning: Circumference / Cycle / Week.
zhōu
10. Wu (吴)
Meaning: A state name; historically associated with speaking loudly or shouting.
wú
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the surname come first in Chinese?
In Chinese culture, the family/collective is placed before the individual. So, Li Xiaolong means the family is "Li", and the given name is "Xiaolong". Always write the surname first!
Do Chinese women change their name after marriage?
Generally, no. In mainland China, women keep their father's surname after marriage. They do not become "Mrs. [Husband's Name]" legally, though their children usually take the father's surname.
How do I find my own Chinese name?
You shouldn't just translate your English name phonetically (e.g., "David" to "Da Wei"). It's better to choose a name with a good meaning.
In Chinese culture, the family/collective is placed before the individual. So, Li Xiaolong means the family is "Li", and the given name is "Xiaolong". Always write the surname first!
Do Chinese women change their name after marriage?
Generally, no. In mainland China, women keep their father's surname after marriage. They do not become "Mrs. [Husband's Name]" legally, though their children usually take the father's surname.
How do I find my own Chinese name?
You shouldn't just translate your English name phonetically (e.g., "David" to "Da Wei"). It's better to choose a name with a good meaning.
Ready to Write Your Name?
Knowing your surname is just the beginning. Whether you are prepping for the HSK exam or just want to sign a greeting card, correct stroke order makes all the difference.
Want to learn the rest of your name?
👉 Search for any Chinese character in our Dictionary to see its animation, pinyin, and meaning instantly.
Want to learn the rest of your name?
👉 Search for any Chinese character in our Dictionary to see its animation, pinyin, and meaning instantly.