What is a First Ancestor?
In Chinese genealogy, tracing a family line often begins not with the researcher, but with a single significant ancestor. This person is called the Shizu (始祖), or first ancestor. The first ancestor is usually the earliest known ancestor who passed down the family surname, established a clan in a new place, or began a written genealogy.
Unlike Western genealogy—which typically works backward from the present—traditional Chinese genealogy moves forward from the first ancestor, following his descendants over time.
“Every family must trace its illustrious heritage to the past and preserve its lineage with care for the future. Hence, distinctions arise between the main ancestral line and collateral branches. … Only then can the origins and connections become clear.”
—Ma Clan Genealogy Book
How Can I Find my First Ancestor?
Start by asking relatives.
Ask relatives—especially older ones—who may recall your family’s early history. Traditionally, respected elders kept the genealogy, so they might know your first ancestor’s name or guide you to the right records.Locate your family genealogy book.
Jiapu Search
The first ancestor is usually mentioned early in the family’s genealogy book, known as a jiapu (家譜), zupu (族譜), zongpu (宗譜, 總譜), or tongpu (通譜). Check with older relatives or whoever has been charged with updating the book.If you don't have the book on hand, visit your ancestral hall.
Ancestral Halls
Many halls display tablets, portraits, or stone inscriptions naming that same first ancestor.
Why is Knowing Your First Ancestor Important?
Tracing your first ancestor gives you a clear starting point to map out your family tree. It uncovers connections you may have missed and highlights your family's role in history and culture. Knowing your first ancestor helps you understand what traits or values your ancestors hoped to pass on.
Locate your family's clan genealogy book more easily.
Connect with related branches descended from the same ancestor.
Understand how your family contributed to history and culture.
Discover the values and traits passed down through generations.
Types of First Ancestors
There are several common types of first ancestors. These categories often overlap, and the titles used may vary by family or region. Use the tabs below to view the common types of first ancestors.
Surname Ancestor
The Shouxing Shizu (受姓始祖) or Dexing Shizu (得姓始祖) is the first person to adopt and pass on the family surname. In some cases, this figure is also called Taizu (太祖).
Example: The Honorable Zhaoshe (趙奢) of Mafu’s (馬服) descendants took the surname Ma (馬), becoming the Ma clan (Ma Shi 馬氏). He is likely the surname ancestor.
Something to Keep in MindAlternate Names
It is common for one individual to be in multiple categories—that is, a founding ancestor may also be a migrating ancestor or branch ancestor. In practice, the first ancestor mentioned in family genealogies is often the same person as the first migrant ancestor, as was the case in the examples with the Honorable Ma Daoyuan.