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Last Name Jin

What is the origin of the last name Jin?

The surname "Jin" is of Chinese origin. It belongs to one of the Four Great Clans (Si Da Ming) in ancient China, which were the Ji, Li, Wu, and Yue families. In this context, the character for Jin (金) means "metal" or "gold." The surname Jin was traditionally associated with the Ji clan, although it can also be found among other Chinese clans. It is important to note that in China, the practice of surnames being passed down patrilineally has been a significant aspect of Chinese society for centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jin

The meaning and origin of the last name Jin

The surname Jin is of Chinese origin, derived from the word "gold" in Mandarin (金, pinyin: Jīn). Historically, the Jin clan were one of the Five Great Clans (五大氏) during China's Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE), known for their wealth and power. The surname is one of the most common in China due to its association with nobility and high status, often being bestowed upon officials and members of the imperial family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). In modern times, it remains a widely distributed surname throughout China. The character for Jin (金) can also be found in other Asian countries with Chinese cultural influences such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, where it may have different pronunciations and meanings.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jin

The surname Jin is predominantly found in East Asia, particularly among ethnic Chinese populations. It originates from ancient China and has been widely disseminated across the country, with significant concentrations in regions such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan provinces. Beyond mainland China, the Jin surname is also common among the Chinese diaspora, particularly in countries with substantial Chinese populations like Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Furthermore, the Jin surname can be found in smaller numbers within the Chinese communities of North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The global distribution of the Jin surname is indicative of the historical migration patterns of the Chinese people over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jin

The surname Jin has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Common variations include:

1. Chin: This is an Anglicized version of the Chinese surname Jin, which is pronounced as "jin" or "chin" in Mandarin.

2. Chen (simplified Chinese: 陈; traditional Chinese: 陳): This is a different Chinese character that sounds similar to Jin but does not have the same meaning. It can be translated as "born of" or "descendant of."

3. Gin: This is another variation, often used in countries like Singapore and Malaysia, where the "j" sound can be replaced with a "g".

4. Kym (Kyrm): In Korean, the surname Jin can also be written as Kym or Kyrm due to transliteration differences between Korean and Chinese.

5. Kim (한국어: 김; Hanja: 金): In North Korea's official romanization system, the surname Jin is romanized as Kim. This is because both characters "金" (Jin) and "金" (Kim) have the same meaning in Chinese and share a similar pronunciation in Korean.

6. Kin (Kinn): This spelling variation can be found in some English texts due to differences in transliteration methods.

Famous people with the last name Jin

Notable individuals bearing the surname Jin include: Yo-Yo Ma, an acclaimed cellist known for his wide range of classical music styles; Liu Jin, a Chinese actress and model who gained international fame through her role in the TV series "Nirvana in Fire"; Jin Yong (Louis Cha), a renowned Hong Kong author best known for his wuxia novels that have sold over 200 million copies worldwide; and Jin Xuan, a Taiwanese-American physicist who specializes in condensed matter theory. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on art, literature, and science.

Genealogical research on the last name Jin

The last name Jin is of Chinese origin, stemming from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). It is one of the most common surnames in China and can be written with various characters, including 金 (pronounced "Jin"), which directly translates to "gold" or "metal." The character Jin represents wealth, prosperity, and nobility. Historically, it was a surname given to officials who served the emperor due to their valuable contributions. Over time, the Jin clan expanded across China, with notable figures such as Emperor Wu of the Jin Dynasty (265-316 CE) and Confucian scholar Jin Shengtan (1608-1648 CE) bearing this name. Today, the Jin surname is found worldwide among Chinese diaspora communities, reflecting their historical and cultural significance.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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