複ふく姓せい

noun

two-character surname; compound surname

Refers to Chinese-style surnames composed of two characters, such as 司馬 or 欧陽. Used in discussions of Chinese naming conventions.

• 中ちゅう国ごくでは、司し馬ばや欧おう陽ようのような複ふく姓せいが今いまも使つかわれている。

  In China, compound surnames like Sima and Ouyang are still used today.

noun

combined family name

Historical term for a practice in ancient Japan where two family names were combined into one, often to preserve lineage or status. Rarely encountered outside historical texts.

• 古こ代だい日本にほんでは、複ふく姓せいは氏し族ぞくの系けい譜ふを示しめすために用もちいられた。

  In ancient Japan, combined family names were used to indicate clan lineage.