Meaning: The surname 雷 (Léi) originates from ancient China, tracing back to the legendary Yellow Emperor's era. One theory suggests it derives from Leigong, a renowned physician and minister to the Yellow Emperor, whose descendants adopted his name as their surname. Another theory links it to the Zhou Dynasty, where a noble named Ji Lei passed down his name to his descendants. Additionally, the surname may have originated from the ancient office of 雷师 ('Lei Shi'), a position responsible for rituals related to thunder and rain, with descendants taking the title as their surname.
Sorting of Chinese Surnames:No.81 Sung version of the Hundred Surnames: NO.69 place
Lei Yinglong (雷应龙)
An official of the Ming Dynasty, he served as the magistrate of Putian and the censor of Zhejiang Province, known for his fair governance in salt taxation.
Lei Butong (雷补同)
A late Qing Dynasty official and diplomat, who served in various positions including as an envoy to Austria.
Lei Zhen (雷震)
a scholar from Nanchang during the Southern Song Dynasty, who achieved the title of Jinshi in 1265.
The surname 雷 has ancient roots, possibly stemming from a legendary physician or an official role tied to thunder and rain. It’s a name that carries a sense of power and mystery, linked to nature’s forces.