Pei (surname)

Pei (裴) is a Chinese surname. It is romanized as P'ei in the Wade-Giles system.

Origin and History

The surname Pei is believed to have originated from the state of Qin during the Zhou dynasty. It is associated with the fiefdom of Pei, which was granted to a descendant of Fei Lian, a royal ancestor of the Qin ruling family. The residents of this fiefdom subsequently adopted Pei as their surname. The characters' origin has ties to clothing in some theories.

Distribution

Historically, the Pei surname was prevalent in Shanxi province, particularly around the present-day city of Yuncheng. While its distribution has expanded over time, it remains more common in northern China compared to southern regions. Significant populations of people with the surname Pei can also be found in other countries with Chinese diaspora populations.

Notable Individuals

• Pei Xiu (裴秀): (224–271), a prominent cartographer, geographer, and politician during the Three Kingdoms period and Jin dynasty. He is credited with developing principles of cartography that influenced later mapmaking in China and beyond.

• Pei Songzhi (裴松之): (372–451), a historian of the Southern Dynasties period, best known for his commentaries on the Records of the Three Kingdoms.

• Pei Du (裴度): (765–839), a Tang Dynasty official known for his military leadership and service as a grand chancellor.

Variations and Romanizations

• Pinyin: Péi
• Wade-Giles: P'ei
• Other Romanizations: Vary depending on dialect and region.

Cultural Significance

The Pei surname, due to its historical association with notable figures and its longstanding presence in Chinese society, carries cultural significance. It is a relatively uncommon surname, which can lead to a strong sense of identity and connection among those who bear it.