Meaning: The surname 明 (Ming) is associated with the concept of clarity and brightness. Its origins can be traced to several sources: some Ming families descended from the Murong clan of the Xianbei people, who changed their surname during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Others claim descent from Gongsun Ming, a大夫 (senior official) of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period. Additionally, some descendants of the Zhu royal family, after the fall of the Ming Dynasty, adopted the surname 明 to avoid persecution by the Qing Dynasty.
Sorting of Chinese Surnames:No.249 Sung version of the Hundred Surnames: NO.111 place
Ming Xian (明贤)
a Ming dynasty scholar from Changzhou, known for residing at Helin Temple and authoring 'Shangfang Ji'.
Mingliang (明亮)
A Qing dynasty general and minister, who served as the leader of the Ili region and the governor of Sichuan, eventually becoming the Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall with the title of Crown Prince's Guardian.
Ming Zhou (明周)
A Ming Dynasty monk from Lu'an, known by his pseudonym Lazy Cloud, abbot of Fazhu Temple, praised by Xie Maoqin for his poem 'New Year's Eve'.
'明' is a surname with deep historical roots, symbolizing clarity and light. It’s linked to ancient officials, ethnic groups, and even royalty who adapted the name to survive turbulent times.