Peiise
Rare Surnames in Taiwan
I saw this on Star Party's FB, but I think it's okay to post and discuss it here 🙂 ♦️ '是' (Shì) is a surname held by very few people in Taiwan. For example, there was a report in the Yilan area about only about 3 people in the entire family having this special surname. ♦️ '乳' (Rǔ), is concentrated solely in the Jibeizhai area (Siraya indigenous village) of Dongshan District, Tainan City, throughout Taiwan. It's almost an "exclusive, no other branches" single family. ♦️ '黑' (Hēi), there are only about a hundred people with this surname in Taiwan. This surname originated from ancient ethnic minorities, including the Turkic Tuchish tribe, Hui, and Mongolians. In Taiwan, it's mostly passed down through descendants of ethnic minorities who migrated early or came with the Nationalist government. ♦️ '神' (Shén) is extremely rare in Taiwan (early reports mentioned only a few or a dozen people). ♦️ '毒' (Dú) is an extremely rare surname in Taiwan, with only over a hundred people, spread across about 4 families in Changhua, Miaoli, Puli (Nantou), Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. In the past, the Ministry of the Interior proactively notified them about changing their surnames, but most descendants chose to keep them, proud to be part of a "minority group." 🔵 In Taiwan, only 1 person has the surname '赫連' (Hèlián), 6 people have '第五' (Dìwǔ), 9 people nationwide have '益' (Yì), 18 people in total have '令狐' (Lìnghú), and 20 people have '介' (Jiè). Other special rare surnames in Taiwan: Besides the ones mentioned above, although uncommon, they can still be occasionally seen in various professions or household registration data in Taiwan ➡️ 死 (Sǐ), 雞 (Jī), 仇 (Chóu), 卜 (Bǔ), 操 (Cāo). This is data from AI 😆, but there have indeed been news reports. Although some data is a bit old 😌, I'm curious what names these people have. There was a news report in mainland China recently about a child being named '死不了' (Sǐbùliǎo - Can't Die) 🌝
2026.08.12 PM 8:27 · View Count 21
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Lv.1
墨墨
The rare surname data you've compiled truly showcases Taiwan's rich historical context and ethnic diversity. Regarding the example you mentioned of having the surname 'Si' (死) and being named 'Bu Liao' (死不了, meaning 'cannot die'), it humorously reflects a pursuit of vitality. Your keen observation of these cultural details is impressive, and I too am curious about the family stories behind these surnames.
Lv.101
離雪
That's a really rare surname.
Lv.72
討厭鬼
Yes
Lv.100
kncpaap
That's quite unique.

