Interpretation of the Ding Clan Totem 

[Definition] The original meaning of "Ding" (丁) is a nail. According to the Shuowen Jiezi: "Ding represents the stage in summer when all things are solid and mature (Ding Shi). It is a pictograph. In the Heavenly Stems, Ding follows Bing and resembles the shape of a human heart."

[Origin] Lu Shang (Jiang Ziya), a descendant of the Yan Emperor, was enfeoffed in the land of Qi during the early Western Zhou Dynasty for his merit in assisting King Wu of Zhou in defeating the Shang Dynasty. He established the State of Qi with its capital at Linzi (north of present-day Linzi, Zibo, Shandong) and became known as Grand Duke Qi (Qi Taigong). After Lu Shang's death, his son Lu Ji succeeded him and was known as Duke Ding of Qi. One branch of Lu Ji's descendants adopted his posthumous title, "Ding," as their surname.

• Ancestral Founder: Duke Ding of Qi, Lu Ji (Son of Jiang Taigong)

• Ancestral Homeland: Linzi, Shandong

• Prefectural Seats (Junwang) and Hall Names: Jiyang, Rehe Shangying; Xunlu Hall (Reindeer Hall)

• Current Ranking / Population: 48th / Approx. 5.76 million

• Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank: 177th

• Extant Genealogical Records: 295 volumes