Interpretation of the Min (闵) Totem

【Meaning】 The character Min (闵) is synonymous with "pity" or "compassion" (悯). It signifies feelings of sympathy, concern, and sorrow. By extension, it also carries connotations of illness, distress, or mourning. In ancient times, "Min" was interchangeable with "Min" (湣), both expressing profound grief or pain, and the character was frequently used as a posthumous honorary title (posthumous name) for nobility.

【Origin】 The surname originates from the Ji (姬) clan. Ji Dan (the Duke of Zhou) played the second-greatest role in the conquest of the Shang Dynasty (after Jiang Ziya) and was enfeoffed in the State of Lu (modern-day Qufu, Shandong). Because the Duke of Zhou remained at court to assist in government affairs, the position of ruler of Lu was inherited by his eldest son, Bo Qin.

In 662 BC, Gongzi Qi, the son of Duke Zhuang of Lu, ascended the throne. Two years later, at the age of ten, he was assassinated by Qing Fu and given the posthumous title Duke Min of Lu. Since Duke Min died young without an heir, his half-brother Duke Xi took the throne. The clan members and descendants adopted the Duke's posthumous title "Min" as their surname to honor him, establishing Duke Min of Lu as the founding ancestor of the surname.

Clan Archives

• Founding Ancestor: Duke Min of Lu (鲁闵公)

• Ancestral Birthplace: Qufu, Shandong

• County & Hall Names: Longxi, Taiyuan, Lu Prefecture; Xiaoti Hall (Hall of Filial Piety and Brotherly Love)

• Current Ranking / Population: 224th / Approximately 430,000

• Song Dynasty Rank: Unknown

• Existing Genealogies: 22 volumes