Last Name Putien

The surname Putien, variants include Puttian, Putian, and Putten, is believed to have origins in various regions due to its multiple spellings. One possible origin could be from the Italian city of Piacenza (Piacenza), with the surname derived from a place name. Another theory suggests that it might have come from the Dutch town of Putten or Putten in Limburg, Netherlands. In this case, the surname may be topographic, meaning it was given to someone who lived near a pine tree grove or pine trees (in Dutch, "putten" means "pits" or "depressions"). It's also worth noting that the surname Putien can be found in different regions and cultures, so its origin may vary depending on each individual family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Putien

The meaning and origin of the last name Putien

The surname Putien, variantly spelled as Putian, Putiyen, or Putyan, is of Russian origin. It derives from a place name, specifically from the town of Putyatin (Путятин) in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, which was first mentioned in the 17th century. The surname Putien likely evolved as a locative surname, indicating that an individual originated from this particular location. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have varied due to migration and assimilation into different cultures. Today, Putien is found among diaspora communities in various countries, reflecting the historical movements of people from Russia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Putien

The surname Putien is predominantly found in China, particularly in the province of Fujian, where it originates from the prefecture-level city of Putian. It is also commonly found in Taiwan and among the Chinese diaspora in various countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other Western nations. This dispersal can be attributed to historical migrations and the global spread of Chinese communities. In addition, Putien has a significant presence in Southeast Asia due to the historical trading links between Fujian and regions like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Putien

The last name Putien (or Putian) has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Putianen, Putiani, Putyen, Putyan, Pooten, Pootian, Pootien, and Potiyen. These variations may appear in different countries and regions, with some being more common in certain areas than others. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the individual's personal preference or cultural background. Regardless of spelling, this last name originates from China and is associated with the Putian region in Fujian province.

Famous people with the last name Putien

Prominent individuals named Putien hail from diverse fields, showcasing their versatility and accomplishments. One notable figure is Chef Martin Yan, a renowned television personality, cookbook author, and restaurateur, best known for his PBS series "Yan Can Cook." Another well-known individual is Wei-Ling Putien, a former professional tennis player from Taiwan who reached a career-high singles ranking of 60 in the world. Furthermore, Dr. Chang-Lin Tien, born Putien Chang-Lin, was an influential mathematician and academic, serving as the Chancellor of the University of California, Riverside from 1987 to 2002. Lastly, Li Putien, a general during the late Qing Dynasty in China, is known for his crucial role in suppressing the Taiping Rebellion. These individuals have made significant contributions in various domains, demonstrating the broad reach of those with the surname Putien.

Genealogical research on the last name Putien

The Putien surname, originating from China, is predominantly associated with the Fujian province, particularly the city of Putian. It is one of the Eight Great Clans of Min-zu and carries significant cultural and historical significance within Chinese communities. The name can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), where it was recorded as a family name in official documents. Over time, the Putien clan expanded and migrated throughout China and other parts of the world, particularly Southeast Asia, due to economic and political reasons. Notable figures with the Putien surname include the Chinese scholar-official Huang Tingjian (1045-1105) and the modern-day business magnate Cheng Yang, founder of Fuyuan Group. The Putien family tree is complex due to its widespread distribution and various branch lineages, making comprehensive genealogical research challenging but valuable for understanding Chinese cultural history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "putien"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 30 July 2025

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