All surnames

Chinese surname

Ma

Horse

Descriptive surname

Ma (马) is a Chinese surname meaning 'horse'. It originated from several sources, including an official title related to the management of horses and from the name of an ancient state. The horse was of great practical and symbolic importance in Chinese culture.

The surname is common, particularly in northern China and among Chinese Muslims (who often adopted Ma as a Chinese form of Muhammad). It remains one of the more frequent Chinese family names.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Ma mean?+

Horse. From 马 (ma, "horse").

Is Ma a common surname?+

Ma is a Chinese-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?+

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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