Chinese Surname 施 (Shī): Meaning, History & Origin
Pinyin: Shī
Meaning: Bestow, execute · Bestow
What does the surname 施 mean?
The Chinese surname 施 (Shī) carries the meaning “Bestow, execute”. In English it is commonly translated as “Bestow”. The character itself has been used as a family name for generations, and the meaning often reflects an occupation, a place, a title, or a symbolic object from early Chinese history.
History and origin
From an ancient fief. Shi Naian authored Water Margin, one of China's Four Great Classical Novels.
The recorded history associated with this surname spans roughly 3000 years, placing it among the long-established family names of Chinese civilization.
How common is the surname 施?
- Recorded historyAbout 3000 years
- Estimated population~2M in China
- Emperors0
- Generals5
Famous people and legacy
Historical records connected to this surname include 0 emperors and 5 generals. The legacy of the surname is not limited to titles: it appears in literature, folk tales, and family traditions passed down across generations.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Chinese surname 施 (Shī) mean?
The surname means “Bestow, execute” in Chinese and is commonly translated into English as “Bestow”.
How many people have the surname 施?
Estimates associate the surname with about 2M people in China. The exact figure changes with each census.
How old is the Chinese surname 施?
The recorded history associated with this surname spans roughly 3000 years.