Interpretation of the Tan (覃) Clan Totem

Definition of the Character: According to the Shuowen Jiezi, the character means "long-lasting flavor" or "lingering taste." Visually, the character "覃" (Tan) resembles a wine vessel filled to the brim (Jiu Ying Zun), suggesting its original use as a term for a jar containing fine wine.

Origin: According to the Brief Study of Surnames (Xingshi Kaolue), "During the Xia Dynasty, there was a place named Tanhuai; those who lived there adopted the location as their surname." Tanhuai is a geographical name centered around modern-day Wen County, Henan. During the Xia, it was called "Tan Land," known as the Henei Commandery during the Qin and Han, Huaizhou during the Tang and Song, and Huaiqing Prefecture after the Yuan. The meaning of "Tanhuai" comes from Oracle Bone script. The character "覃" resembles an ancient wine pot. The top part ("西") is the lid, the middle part ("曰") is the belly of the vessel, and the bottom cross ("十") represents a pointed base meant to be inserted into the ground for cool storage. An ancient tribe called the Tanhuai Clan lived here and adopted the name as their surname, later simplified to Tan (pronounced Tán).

• Ancestral Founder: Bo Yi

• Ancestral Homeland: Wen County, Henan Province

• Prefectural Seats and Hall Names: Kuaiji, Nanhai, Hongnong; Guangyu Hall

• Current Rank / Population: 96th most common / Approx. 2.40 million

• Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank: 102nd

• Extant Genealogies: 25 volumes