Meaning: The surname 尼 (Ní) has multiple origins. One theory suggests it derives from the spread of Buddhism from ancient India, where some followers adopted '尼' as their surname to signify their devotion to Buddhism. Another theory posits that it originated from ancient Chinese official titles, such as '尼父' (a respectful term for a virtuous person), with descendants adopting the title as their surname. It may also be derived from the Hanization of surnames among ethnic minorities like the Manchu or Mongolian.
Miaoyun Ni (尼妙云)
a Buddhist nun from the Southern Song Dynasty, who succeeded her master and later retired to Wu's Nunnery.
Nifahai (尼法海)
a Song Dynasty Buddhist nun, residing at Xizhu Temple in Pingjiang Prefecture, a disciple of the Zen master Shouyi.
Nizhengjue (尼正觉)
A woman from Haiyan in the Song Dynasty, granddaughter of Guo Sanyi, who became a nun after her husband's death.
The surname 尼 is steeped in religious and cultural history, possibly linked to Buddhism or ancient Chinese titles. It reflects a blend of foreign influence and local tradition.