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 Zhoufu (雷周辅)
An official during the Northern Song Dynasty, served as the Judicial Commissioner of Yongxing Circuit.
Lei Zhen (雷震)
a scholar from Nanchang during the Southern Song Dynasty, who achieved the title of Jinshi in 1265.
Lei Shijun (雷士俊)
a scholar from Jingyang, Shaanxi during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, known for his work 'Ailing Anthology'.
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.