With the development of society and the economy, the matrilineal system was gradually replaced by patriarchy and the class system. Another form of surnames, Xing, after the names of emperor-endowed land appeared. By the Warring States Period (475-221BC), the distinction between Xing and Shi disappeared, and the meaning of surnames was the same as it is today.

Unlike western surnames that were mainly formed in the Middle Ages, with some earlier ones in Greek and Roman times, Chinese surnames mostly originated 5,000 years ago, and were consistently developed and passed on in the following generations.

Chinese surnames derive basically from the following origins:

First, surnames came from the name of a place, location, or kingdom name, such as Zhao, Ximen (west gate), Zheng, and Su.

Second, ancient surnames like Ren, Feng, and Zi were inherited.

Third, the names of ancestors like Huangpu, Gao, Diao, Gong, and Shi were taken as surnames. 

Fourth, words meaning seniority among brothers, like Bo (eldest), Zhong (second eldest), Shu (younger), and Ji (youngest), are used as surnames.

Fifth, ancient official positions are also used as surnames, such as Shi (historiographer), Cang (official in charge of a storehouse), Ku (official in charge of ordinance), Situ (official in charge of registration of cultivated land, settlement, and unpaid peasant labor), Sikou (minister of justice), and Taishi (astronomy and calendar official).

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