Surname Shen - Meaning and Origin
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Shen: What does the surname Shen mean?
Shen is a Chinese surname that is popular in both mainland China and Taiwan. Originally, "Shen" was used as a name of a region, which eventually became a surname for the people who lived there. The origins of the name can be traced back to the times of ancient China and it has been passed down through generations.
In Mandarin, "Shen" translates to "deep" or "depth." It can also mean "mysterious" or "divine" signifying a sense of reverence or divinity. However, as with many Chinese names, the meaning can change depending on its written form in Chinese characters.
The Shen family was known to have high-ranking officials enlisted in the imperial examinations, contributing to the dynasty's civil administration, signifying intellect, discipline, respect, and honor. Several historical figures in China and famous contemporary individuals bear this surname. Therefore, the last name "Shen" carries with it a rich history, cultural significance, and an intellectual legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisShen: Where does the name Shen come from?
The last name Shen is a popular Chinese surname and is most commonly found in countries with a large Chinese population, such as Taiwan, China and Malaysia. Shen is also popular in the United States, particularly in states where Chinese immigrants have settled, such as California, New York and Hawaii.
The name is derived from the Zhou dynasty, and is believed to originate from the title of a regional military official in the late Zhou period (1046-256 BC). Shen then subsequently became a surname for some of the descendants of these officers. The surname is also found among the Hakka people of China, as well as some of the Miao, Zhuang and Yao people.
Shen is the 35th most common Chinese surname worldwide, and the 12th most common surname in mainland China. In the United States, Shen was ranked as the 108th most common surname according to the US Census Bureau in 2000.
Despite the wide geographical dispersal of Shen, it is still very much associated with its Chinese origin. The highest density of people with this name is still concentrated in China, Taiwan and Malaysia.
Variations of the surname Shen
The surname Shen is rooted in Chinese culture, and there are a variety of ways in which this name can be spelt or translated. Variations from the Chinese characters 闵、沈、慎和申 respectively include Min, Chen, and Shen (the Pinyin spelling).
Variations of the original Chinese surname Shen are significant and far-reaching. In Indonesia, variations include Sim and Sin (in Hokkien, Taiwan), San in Cantonese (Cambodia, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam), Seon or Shon in Korea, and Shin in Japan.
In addition to Min, Chen, and Shen, other surnames derived from these characters are Sun, Sim, Seen, Sam, Yen, and Shan. Minor variants on the surname Shen in English spelling are Shean, Sheen, Shien, and Sen.
In the United States, some Americanised variations of the surname Shen include Sims, Shean, Shain, and Shane. Regardless of the spelling of the surname, the root of the name still holds strong.
Similar surnames are the descendants of the surname Shen transcending cultures — that is, those derived from the Chinese characters mentioned earlier that have in time become surnames in countries other than China, such as Datwani, and Chaudhuri (in India), Zen (in Philippines), and Dion and Dionne (in France).
Famous people with the name Shen
- Zhou Shen: Chinese singer and actor
- Yue Shen: Chinese actress and singer
- Chen Shen: Taiwanese actor
- Liu Shen: Taiwanese actor and model
- Shen Yue: Chinese actress
- Zhao Shen: Chinese actor
- Liu Shen: Chinese singer
- Shen Teng: Chinese stand-up comedian
- Raymond Shen: Australian entrepreneur
- Don Shen: American actor
- Shen Jingdong: Chinese basketball coach
- Benny Shen: American author
- Adam Shen: Taiwanese athlete
- Xing Shen: Chinese doctor
- Yichen Shen: Chinese footballer
- Gutai Shen: Chinese sculptor and painter
- Naiqing Shen: Chinese science fiction writer
- He Shen: Chinese director
- Jie Shen: Chinese movie director
- Shannon Shen: Canadian mixed martial artist