Pan or 潘 - The Roots of Chinese Surnames: Exploring Heritage and History

Pan (潘) surname carries multiple origins linked to revered emperors, noble appointments, and loyal service.

The Pan surname has remained a symbol of honor, resilience, and historical depth.

This article explores the diverse roots and enduring significance of the Pan surname, tracing its path from ancient kingdoms to its place in the modern world.

Ancient Beginnings: The State of Pan and Emperor Shun

The Pan surname has deep historical roots that trace back to the legendary era of Emperor Shun (about 2294 BC—2184 BC), one of China’s revered sage-kings.

According to tradition, some of Shun's descendants established a small state called the State of Pan, named after the region in which it was founded.

Centuries later, during the  Zhou (1046 BC — 256 BC) conquest of the  Shang Dynasty (1600 BC — 1046 BC), King Wu of Zhou (? — 1043 BC) brought this early Pan state to an end.

Although the state was lost, its legacy endured.

The descendants of its people adopted “Pan” as their surname, preserving the memory of their homeland and honoring their heritage.

Ji Sun and the Rebirth of the Pan State

Following the fall of the original Pan state, King Wu of Zhou appointed his nephew, Ji Sun (季孙), to govern the Pan region.

Ji Sun’s descendants, like those before them, took the name of their fiefdom—Pan—as their surname.

This branch of the Pan family, born from royal appointment, is the most widely recognized origin of the surname today.

Many who carry the Pan name trace their ancestry back to Ji Sun and his family’s renewed presence in Pan territory.

The Pan Surname from the State of Chu

Though the Pan state remained acknowledged for a time, it was small and politically weak.

During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC — 403 BC), it was eventually annexed by the powerful State of Chu.

After Chu absorbed the Pan territory, the region became an administrative district.

Some Chu inhabitants who settled in the area also adopted “Pan” as their surname, taking inspiration from the name of their new home.

In this way, the Pan surname gained broader recognition and geographical reach.

Pan Chong: Loyalty and Legacy in the State of Chu

Another prominent origin of the Pan surname comes from Pan Chong (潘崇), a respected advisor and educator during the Spring and Autumn Period.

He played a crucial role in helping the crown prince ascend the throne as King Mu of Chu (? — 614 BC).

Pan Chong later became one of the king’s most trusted advisors, contributing significantly to the kingdom’s governance and prosperity.

Due to his loyalty and wisdom, he and his descendants were highly honored by the Chu royal court.

Over time, his family flourished and spread throughout the vast lands of Chu.

The Enduring Legacy of the Pan Surname

Across centuries of dynastic change, migration, and cultural transformation, the Pan surname endured.

Whether its origin stemmed from noble appointment, territorial identity, or meritorious service, the name came to embody values of loyalty, resilience, and cultural pride.

From the north to the south of China, generations of Pan descendants made lasting contributions—as officials, scholars, military leaders, artists, and thinkers.

Today, Pan remains a common and respected surname in China and among Chinese communities worldwide.

More than just a name, it is a symbol of heritage and honor—a reflection of those who came before, and an inspiration for those who carry it forward.