Hundreds of Chinese last names, yet only a dozen of them cover over 50% of all Chinese descendants. The top last names stem from dominant tribes of huge dynastic lines, while smaller last names often mark vanquished tribes and disappearing kingdoms. Due to American immigration history, no singular last name shows its prevalence as clearly as in the Chinese setting. In a classroom of 30 Chinese students, there may be only 10-12 last names. When Chinese give self introductions, their last names might be given rather quickly because their Chinese audience is familiar with the small set of possibilities.
