Meaning: The character 施 originally means 'to give' or 'to bestow'. The Shi clan originates from the Spring and Autumn Period. According to historical records, the surname Shi comes from the Ji clan of the Lu State. One of the descendants of Boqin, the Duke of Lu, was named Shi Fu, and his descendants adopted the surname Shi. Another theory suggests that the surname originated from the ancient state of Shi (present-day Enshi, Hubei), where the nobles took the state name as their surname.
Sorting of Chinese Surnames:No.106 Sung version of the Hundred Surnames: NO.23 place
Shi Decao (施德操)
a Song Dynasty scholar from Yanguan, known as 'Mr. Chizheng', who opposed Yang Zhu and Mozi, and authored works like 'Mencius Unveiled' and 'Records from the North Window'.
Shi Pan (施槃)
A Ming Dynasty official, known for being the top scholar in the imperial examination of 1440, posthumously awarded the title of Zhuangxi.
Shi Jian (施渐)
A Ming Dynasty scholar and poet, known by the courtesy name Ziyu, from Wuxi, served as the Assistant Magistrate of Haiyan, and authored 'Wu Ling Collection'.
The surname 'Shi' is rooted in ancient Chinese history, tracing back to the Spring and Autumn Period. It symbolizes the act of giving or bestowing, reflecting a spirit of generosity.