About
The character "姓", meaning surname, derives from the semantic component 女, representing woman, combined with the phonetic component 生, denoting birth, a structure that originally conveyed the concept of names based on maternal lineage within early clan systems. Its initial usage reflected matrilineal descent groups, but as social structures shifted toward patrilineal family organization, the meaning of "姓" correspondingly evolved to indicate hereditary surnames passed down through the paternal line. While the character's form has remained consistent throughout its history, its semantic focus moved from clan identity rooted in female ancestry to the consolidated family name system used in later periods, maintaining the inherent connection to birth and lineage encoded in its compositional elements.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我的姓氏是王。
你的姓氏是什么？
她姓李，叫李芳。
请问您贵姓？
在中国，姓氏很重要。
他的姓和我的姓一样。
你知道她姓什么吗？
姓氏通常随父亲。