2,000 Rare Chinese Surnames
by Ding
(Author Of GCN)
Sunday, April 18, 2010. 1:16am
A Chinese surname is passed down from one's ancestors. The alteration of surname would be considered as an outrageous act of betrayal.
Now, what if your surname is considered less desirable by some? Like 'Ghost'. Or 'Zero'.
There is a person who has over 20 years compiled a list of unusual Chinese family names. He is Cheng Yinglian, a retired worker living in Changsha, the capital of Hunan in China.
He has collected about 2,000 rare surnames to date. They include - Ling (zero), Cu (vinegar), Miao (second) and Yi (one).
He has also recently published a book based on his collection. Cheng said "I may apply for the Guinness (Book of World Records)."
Source: ChinaDaily.com