Origins
As with many Chinese surnames, the origins of the Pan are various and sometimes legendary.
One origin was a clan name taken from a fief north of Shaanxi granted to Ji Sun, a descendant of Zhou Wen. Some members descend from Ji Sun himself, others from his vassals.
Another source was a cadet branch of the ruling House of Mi (芈) of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period. Among these Pans, Pan Chong served as regent and advisor for the state of Chu. When King Cheng of Chu decided to make a younger son the crown prince, Pan Chong aided the elder prince Shangchen instead. Shangchen forced King Cheng to commit suicide and ascended the throne as King Mu of Chu. Pan Chong was made the "Royal Tutor".
A third source on Taiwan was the adoption of the name by Taiwanese aborigines during their Sinicization. Members of the Plains tribes adopted the surname Pan as a modification of their designated status as barbarians (番, Fan). One family in particular became members of the local gentry, complete with a lineage to Fujian province.
Read more about this topic: Pan (surname)
Famous quotes containing the word origins:
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