Jonathan Spence

Family Name: The surname 史 (Shǐ) has multiple origins. One theory suggests it derives from the ancient historians or scribes who recorded significant events, with their descendants adopting the occupational title as their surname. Another theory posits that 史 originates from the State of Shi, a small principality during the Zhou Dynasty, whose inhabitants took the state's name as their surname. Additionally, some trace the surname to Shi Yi, a wise man from the late Shang Dynasty, whose descendants adopted his name as their surname.