Interpretation of the Ling (凌) Surname Totem

【Meaning】

The original meaning of 凌 (Ling) is accumulated ice. The character is composed of two parts: "冫" (the ice radical), representing water frozen into a solid state, and "夌" (líng), which carries the connotation of surmounting or transcending. Together, the totem symbolizes the strength to overcome cold or difficult conditions and the elevated status of those who managed vital resources.

【Origins】

1. From the Ji (姬) Surname (Western Zhou): Derived from a government office. Ji Feng, the eighth son of King Wen of Zhou, was enfeoffed by his brother King Wu in the ancient lands of the Kang State within the royal domain. He was known as Kang Shu.

2. The State of Wei: Later, upon the advice of the Duke of Zhou, King Cheng granted Kang Shu the territory surrounding the former Shang capital along with the seven clans of Yin people. He established the State of Wei (with its capital in present-day Qi County, Henan) and is historically known as Wei Kang Shu.

3. The Office of Lingren: One of Wei Kang Shu's sons served in the Zhou royal court as the "Lingren" (凌人), the official in charge of ice governance. This position was responsible for harvesting ice in winter and storing it in deep cellars for use in summer sacrifices and cooling. His descendants adopted the title of this prestigious office as their family name. This lineage is considered the "Orthodox Ling Clan."

Historical & Demographic Profile

Category

Details

Founding Ancestor

Ji Kang (Wei Kang Shu)

Ancestral Homeland

Qi County, Henan Province

Prefectural Mansions

Bohai, Hejian

Notable Hall Name

Shengren Hall (Hall of Sage Benevolence)

Modern Ranking / Population

Ranked 149th / Approx. 1,030,000 people

Song Dynasty Ranking

Ranked 160th in the Hundred Family Surnames

Extant Genealogies

75 volumes currently preserved