Fei (surname)

Fei (費) is a Chinese surname. It is relatively uncommon, but has a documented history tracing back to ancient times.

Origin and History:

The surname Fei (費) has several possible origins. One is traced back to the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period (771-476 BCE). A branch of the Ji (姬) clan, the ruling family of Lu, was granted the fiefdom of Fei (費), located in present-day Shandong province. Descendants of this branch adopted Fei as their surname.

Another possible origin stems from the state of Qi, also during the Spring and Autumn Period. The ruling family of Qi, the Jiang (姜) clan, had officials who managed affairs related to taxes and finances. The term "Fei" (費) can be associated with expenses or taxes, and some individuals involved in these administrative duties may have adopted it as a surname.

A less common origin story points to a link with the Bai (白) surname. Some individuals with the Bai surname changed their name to Fei to avoid persecution or during periods of political instability.

Distribution:

While not a top 100 surname in China, Fei is found across various regions. Concentrations are more prevalent in Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces, potentially reflecting historical ties to the states of Lu and Qi. Due to migration patterns, it can also be found in other parts of China and among overseas Chinese communities.

Notable Individuals:

Notable individuals with the surname Fei include historical figures, academics, and contemporary personalities in various fields. Specific examples are subject to ongoing historical research and documentation.

Variations and Romanization:

The surname Fei is primarily romanized as Fei in pinyin. Variations in spelling might occur depending on the specific romanization system used or regional dialects. In Wade-Giles, it could be romanized as Fei. The surname only has one character, 費.