Ming (surname)

The surname Ming (明) is a relatively common Chinese surname. It has multiple origins, including:

• Derived from a given name: Some individuals adopted "Ming" as their surname from a prominent ancestor's given name. This was a common practice in early Chinese history.

• Associated with the Ming Dynasty (明朝): While not directly derived from the dynasty's name for most families, some families may have adopted the surname after the dynasty's fall for various reasons, including a desire to remain associated with its legacy or to disguise their previous identities during periods of political upheaval. This association is however, less direct and well-documented compared to surnames directly linked to dynasties.

• From minority ethnic groups: The surname may also originate from transliterations of surnames from various minority ethnic groups within China.

The surname Ming is found across China and in overseas Chinese communities. Its frequency varies by region. Genealogical records (族谱, zupu) are essential for tracing specific family lineages and verifying the origin of a particular family's use of the surname. The surname is typically written with the Chinese character 明, meaning "bright," "clear," or "understanding."