Meaning and origin
The last name Chin has its origin in China and is derived from the Mandarin Chinese surname Qin. The surname Qin has ancient roots and is associated with the historical figure Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China in the third century BCE. Over time, the surname Qin underwent various transliterations and changes as it spread to different regions, resulting in variations like Chin.
The longer story
It is transliterated from various Chinese characters, including 陈, 金, 志, 秦, and 亲. The pronunciation of the name Chin can vary depending on the dialect or country of origin.
It is derived from the ancient state of Chen and has a long history dating back thousands of years. The character itself can have multiple meanings, including "to exhibit" or "to lay out." In the context of surnames, it is believed to signify the role of a minister or official.
The character 金 (Jīn) can also be transliterated as Chin and is another possible origin for the surname. It means "gold" and was often used as a surname to signify wealth or prosperity in ancient China. However, it is less common compared to the character 陈.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#1,279
Chin was the 1,279th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 27,487 people, about 8.9 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Where it is found
Countries linked to Chin.
Surnames like Chin
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Chin is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.