Key events in the history of the Chen (陈) surname

10 dated events in the history of the Chen (陈) surname, as recorded in Chinese sources.

1. The 17th year of Qin Wang Zheng (秦王政十七年) (230 BCE)

   The Qin state established Yingchuan Commandery (颍川郡), becoming one of the major commanderies of origin for the Chen (陈) surname.

2. The 4th year of Han Gaozu (漢高祖四年) (203 BCE)

   The Western Han dynasty established Runan Commandery (汝南郡), becoming another major commandery of origin for the Chen (陈) surname.

3. The 15th year of Yongping of the Eastern Han (東漢永平十五年) (72 CE)

   The Eastern Han dynasty converted Linhuai Commandery (临淮郡) into the Principality of Xiapi (下邳国); later, during the Southern Dynasties Song dynasty, it was reorganized as Xiapi Commandery (下邳郡), becoming a commandery of origin for the Chen (陈) surname.

4. Eastern Han dynasty (1st century CE)

   The Eastern Han dynasty established Guangling Commandery (广陵郡), becoming one of the commanderies of origin for the Chen (陈) surname.

5. The 2nd year of Han Gao Di (漢高帝二年) (205 BCE)

   The Western Han dynasty established Henan Commandery (河南郡), becoming a commandery of origin for the Chen (陈) surname.

6. Northern Wei dynasty

   The Northern Wei dynasty established Wudang Commandery (武当郡); this branch of the Chen (陈) surname descended from Chen Shi (陈寔).

7. Early Sui dynasty

   At the beginning of the Sui dynasty, Lujiang County (庐江县) was established under Lujiang Commandery (庐江郡), becoming a commandery of origin for the Chen (陈) surname.

8. Emperor Wu of Han

   Emperor Wu of Han established Fengyi Commandery (冯翊郡); this branch of the Chen (陈) surname descended from Chen Shu Xing (陈叔兴), the 26th son of Emperor Xuan of Chen (陈宣帝).

9. Han dynasty

   The Han dynasty established Jingzhao Commandery (京兆郡); this branch of the Chen (陈) surname descended from Chen Zhong (陈忠), a descendant of Chen Shi (陈寔) who migrated to Jingzhao (京兆) during the Tang dynasty.

10. 496

    Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei dynasty implemented sinicization reforms, and the Houmo Chen (侯莫陈) surname was changed to the single-character surname Chen (陈) in that year.