surname
姓 centers on the family name passed down through generations, often associated with lineage and birth.
姓 combines 女 (woman) and 生 (birth/life), reflecting the ancient practice of tracing family lineage through the maternal line. The modern meaning 'surname' extends from this idea of clan or family identity.
A woman (女) gives birth (生) and passes down the family name. Picture a mother writing her surname on a birth certificate.
For セイ, imagine a family saying their surname together: 'Say!' (セイ) as they introduce themselves. The sound 'say' cues セイ while they state their family name.
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surname; family name
farmer; peasant; farm laborer; farmhand
same surname
different surname
(full) name; family name and given name
one's original family name; maiden name
(noble's) page
change of one's family name
farmer
dirt-poor farmer
person of humble birth
low class samurai, who guarded the shogun on outings (Edo period)
another surname
secular surname (of a priest)
former surname; original surname
eight hereditary titles (designated by Emperor Tenmu in 684 CE: Mahito, Ason, Sukune, Imiki, Michinoshi, Omi, Muraji, Inagi)
eight hereditary titles (designated by Emperor Tenmu in 684 CE: Mahito, Ason, Sukune, Imiki, Michinoshi, Omi, Muraji, Inagi)
marriage in which neither person takes the other's surname
having the same family name and given name (as someone else)
the four Hindu castes