Qiu or 丘 or 邱 - The Roots of Chinese Surnames: Exploring Heritage and History

The surnames Qiu (丘) and Qiu (邱) share a fascinating and intertwined history, tracing back to the legendary figure Jiang Shang (? — about 1015 BC), the founding ruler of the State of Qi.

The Origins of the Qiu Surname

Jiang Shang, also known as Jiang Taigong, was a brilliant strategist who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC — 256 BC).

Serving under King Wu of Zhou (? — 1043 BC), Jiang Shang helped overthrow the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC — 1046 BC), laying the foundation for the Zhou Dynasty’s rise to power.

His military prowess and leadership earned him a noble title, and as a reward, he was enfeoffed in Qi, where he established the State of Qi and made Yingqiu (营丘) his capital.

One of Jiang Shang's descendants was entrusted with defending the capital, Yingqiu.

This descendant and his progeny adopted the surname Qiu (丘), naming themselves after the land they safeguarded.

The surname thus originates from the territory of Yingqiu, which holds significant historical and familial value in the Qi state’s founding.

The Rise of Confucianism and the Naming Taboo

As time passed, the Han Dynasty (202 BC — 220 AD) ushered in the rise of Confucianism, which became the dominant ideology in China.

Confucius (551 BC — 479 BC), or Kong Qiu, was venerated as the Sage, and his teachings shaped Chinese society for centuries.

Confucius’ personal name, Qiu (丘), created a dilemma for those who shared this surname, as it was considered a deep act of respect to avoid using the character in reference to the revered philosopher.

In ancient China, the practice of avoiding the names of respected figures, known as naming taboo (避讳), was common.

As a result, some families bearing the surname 丘 chose to modify it, adding a radical to the right side of the character to create 邱 (Qiu).

This alteration was seen as a sign of respect for Confucius, yet at that time, only a few families adopted the change, and 邱 remained a relatively rare surname.

The Imperial Decree: A Mass Transition

A significant turning point in the history of these surnames occurred in 1725, during the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912), when Emperor Yongzheng (1678 — 1735) issued an imperial edict.

The decree required all individuals with the surname 丘 to change it to 邱, as an official gesture of honor to Confucius.

Moreover, any place names containing the character 丘 were also mandated to be renamed.

This imperial order led to a large-scale transformation in Chinese naming practices, with nearly all members of the 丘 clan required to adopt the surname 邱.

The change was enforced through the empire, and for generations, it became the predominant form of the surname.

The Restoration of the Qiu Surname

Following the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, a movement emerged advocating for the restoration of the original surname 丘.

Scholars and officials argued that since the surname originated from Jiang Shang’s fiefdom in Yingqiu—long before Confucius’ birth—there was no reason for their descendants to continue adhering to the naming taboo.

This idea gained traction among some Qiu families, particularly in nearby regions, who sought to reclaim their ancestral surname.

Despite these efforts, however, the surname 邱 remained widespread throughout most of China.

Many clans, either unaware of the restoration movement or constrained by legal and bureaucratic complexities, continued to use 邱, and the change was not universally adopted.

A Shared Heritage

Though the surnames 丘 and 邱 differ in written form, both are deeply rooted in the same historical and cultural heritage.

They carry a rich legacy tied to the strategic genius of Jiang Shang, the founding of the State of Qi, and the deep respect for Confucius.

While the transition between the two surnames highlights the tension between honoring ancestors and revering modern-day figures, the enduring connection between the two reflects a profound respect for history, lineage, and family identity.

Both surnames carry the weight of centuries of history and continue to symbolize an enduring legacy that is both shared and uniquely individual.