Interpretation of the Lan (兰) Surname Totem

【Meaning】

The original meaning of Lan (兰) refers to thoroughwort (Eupatorium fortunei), an aromatic herb often called "Ze Lan." It is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Known for its fragrance, the entire plant is used in traditional medicine. In Chinese culture, the orchid/thoroughwort symbolizes nobility, elegance, and the character of a true gentleman.

【Origins】

1. From the Ji (姬) Surname (State of Zheng): During the reign of King Xuan of Zhou, his half-brother Ji You was enfeoffed in Zheng (present-day Hua County, Shaanxi), becoming Duke Huan of Zheng. This was the last vassal state enfeoffed during the Western Zhou.

2. The Legend of the Orchid Dream: The lineage traces back to Ji Zilan (Duke Mu of Zheng), a grandson of Duke Huan. Legend has it that before his birth, his mother dreamed of an angel respectfully presenting her with a sprig of thoroughwort. The room was filled with a lingering fragrance. Shortly after waking, she gave birth to a son and named him Lan (Orchid).

3. Adoption of the Surname: Duke Mu of Zheng reigned for twenty-two years. After his passing, his descendants adopted his personal name, Lan, as their surname to honor his prosperous reign and the auspicious circumstances of his birth.

Historical & Demographic Profile

Category

Details

Founding Ancestor

Duke Mu of Zheng (Prince Lan)

Ancestral Homeland

Xingyang, Henan Province

Prefectural Mansions

Runan, Zhongshan

Notable Hall Name

Dongguan Hall

Modern Ranking / Population

Ranked 132nd / Approx. 1.34 million people

Song Dynasty Ranking

Beyond the top 300 in the Hundred Family Surnames

Extant Genealogies

3 volumes currently preserved

繁體中文版本 (Traditional Chinese)

蘭氏圖騰釋義

【釋義】

「蘭」的本義為蘭草，即香草，也稱「澤蘭」。屬多年生草本植物，菊科，具香味，全草可供藥用。在中華文化中，蘭象徵著高潔、典雅與君子之風。

【起源】

1. 源於姬姓（鄭國）： 周宣王時期，將其同父異母弟姬友封於「鄭」（今陝西華縣），史稱鄭桓公。這是西周最後分封的一個諸侯國。

2. 蘭草托夢的傳說： 鄭國傳至鄭穆公姬子蘭。相傳穆公之母受孕前，夢見天使手執一株蘭草，恭敬地贈予她，夢中幽香撲鼻。醒後不久便產下一子，遂取名為「蘭」。

3. 以名為氏： 鄭穆公在位期間國力強盛，其逝世後，子孫便以其名「蘭」為姓氏，世代相傳，形成了蘭氏的主流。

歷史與人口概況

類別

詳情

得姓始祖

鄭穆公（公子蘭）

始祖地

河南滎陽

郡望

汝南、中山

堂號

東莞堂

當今排序/人口

第132位 / 約134萬人

宋朝百家姓排序

300位以外

現存家譜

3部