NomOrigine Background

Last Name Shi

What is the origin of the last name Shi?

The surname Shi is of Chinese origin. In Mandarin Chinese, Shi (石) means "stone" or "rock". This surname is quite common in China and may have originated from a place name or from an ancestor's occupation. It is one of the most common surnames in China, ranking 47th in terms of population.

Click here and access the full origin of your last name

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the last name Shi!

All information about your last name: origin, meaning, and more
Full access for 7 days
Unlimited search
Complete PDF report included
High-quality Origin Certificate
No ads
🎉 Includes 2 days of free trial

3.95 $

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Question: Can I search for other last names?
Answer: Yes, depending on the plan you choose, you can search for multiple last names without restrictions. Perfect for exploring both sides of your family!

Question: What payment methods do you accept?
Answer: We accept major credit/debit cards as well as payments via Google Pay and Apple Pay for a smooth and secure experience.

Question: Can I request a refund if I’m not satisfied?
Answer: Yes, you have a 15-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, contact our customer service for a full refund.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Shi

The meaning and origin of the last name Shi

The surname Shi is of Chinese origin and is derived from the character 史 (Shǐ), which means "history" or "chronicle". It is a common surname in China and is ranked among the top 100 surnames in terms of population size. The Shi surname traces its origins to the ancient state of Shi in the early Zhou dynasty, and it is believed that many of the descendants of the ruling elite took on the Shi surname to honor their ancestral lineage. Over time, the Shi surname spread to various regions in China and is now found among people of different ethnic backgrounds and social statuses. Today, individuals with the Shi surname can be found all over the world, with a concentration of the surname in mainland China and Taiwan.

Geographical distribution of the last name Shi

The last name Shi has a widespread geographical distribution, with a significant presence in China, specifically in the provinces of Henan, Shanxi, and Shandong. In these regions, the surname Shi is one of the most common and prestigious surnames, with a long history and cultural significance. Additionally, the name can also be found in Taiwan, where it is associated with families of Chinese descent. Outside of China, the surname Shi is prevalent in countries such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, due to historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges. In recent years, with increased global mobility and international relationships, the last name Shi has become more common in Western countries such as the United States and Canada, among Chinese immigrant communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Shi reflects its deep roots in Chinese history and culture, as well as its adaptation to diverse environments around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Shi

Some variations and spellings of the last name Shi include Xie, Xia, Xi, She, Sze, Shih, Shee, and Sie. These variations can often depend on regional dialects and language differences in Chinese-speaking regions. For example, the pinyin romanization system commonly used in mainland China may result in the last name being spelled as Xi or Xie, while in Taiwan, it may be written as Hsi or Hsieh. Additionally, different Chinese characters can also be used to represent the Shi surname, leading to variations such as Xia or She. Despite these differences, all these variations ultimately stem from the same Chinese character and retain the common origin of the last name Shi.

Famous people with the last name Shi

Some famous people with the last name "Shi" include Cai Guo-Qiang, a Chinese contemporary artist known for his large-scale explosive artworks; Chuanfu Shi, the founder and chairman of BYD Company, a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in electric vehicles and batteries; and Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China who unified the country and is known for his construction of the Great Wall. Additionally, there is Xi Shi, a legendary Chinese beauty from the Spring and Autumn period who is said to have brought down the kingdom of Wu with her charms. These individuals have all made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on Chinese history and culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Shi

The surname Shi is of Chinese origin and has several different origins and meanings. One of the most common origins is from the word "shi," which means "timber" in Mandarin. This suggests that the original bearer of the surname may have been involved in the timber industry or lived near a forest. Another possible origin is from the ancient Shi clan, which was one of the five noble families of ancient China. Members of this clan held important positions in the government and were considered to be of high social standing. Over time, the surname Shi has spread to various parts of China and beyond, leading to different branches and variations of the name. Genealogical research on the surname Shi may reveal connections to notable historical figures or insights into the family's ancestral homeland.

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Most searched last names

Adanach wubishet (Last name)

surnames > adanach-wubishet

The last name "Adanach Wubishet" originates from Ethiopia. "Adanach" is likely a surname derived from a clan or tribe within Ethiopia, while "Wubishet" is a common Ethiopian surname of Amharic origin.

Mahatamram (Last name)

surnames > mahatamram

The last name Mahatamram originated in Nepal. It is a common Nepali surname, typically associated with people from the Brahmin ethnic group. The name likely derives from Sanskrit origins, with "Mahat" meaning "great" or "noble" and "amram" potentially referenc...

Chahtik (Last name)

surnames > chahtik

The last name "Chahtik" originates from the Arabic language and is believed to be of Middle Eastern descent. It may refer to a specific place, tribe, or occupation.

Tisari (Last name)

surnames > tisari

The last name Tisari is of Finnish origin.

Saifwati (Last name)

surnames > saifwati

Saifwati is believed to have originated from the Middle East, specifically the Arabian Peninsula. It is a common surname in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The name likely has Arabic origins and may have specific meanings or...

Ksurya (Last name)

surnames > ksurya

The last name "Ksurya" is of Indonesian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Surya," which means "sun" in English.

Noor eddin (Last name)

surnames > noor-eddin

The last name "Noor Eddin" has Arabic origins. It is a combination of the words "Noor," meaning light, and "Eddin," derived from the Arabic name "Al-Din," meaning religion or faith.

Sayedhassan (Last name)

surnames > sayedhassan

The surname Sayedhassan is of Arabic origin. It is a compound name, with "Sayed" meaning "noble" or "master" and "Hassan" being a common Arabic given name meaning "beautiful" or "handsome".

Mursahed (Last name)

surnames > mursahed

The last name "Mursahed" is of Bengali origin. It is derived from the Bengali word "mursi" meaning "respectable" or "honorable" combined with the suffix "-hed" which means "leader" or "guide."

Moynudheen (Last name)

surnames > moynudheen

The last name "Moynudheen" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the personal name "Muin ad-Din," which means "supporter of the faith" in Arabic. This surname is commonly found in certain Arabic-speaking and Muslim-majority regions.