List of posthumous names

Template:Short description In China, posthumous names were conferred upon Emperors, Empresses, and notable officials by the imperial court up until the fall of Qing dynasty in 1911. The following list is limited to officials. The name is most often used in the combination surname + posthumous name + "gong 公," as appears in all formal references.

During Ming and Qing dynasties, posthumous names of officials were formalized and fixed at two characters. The first character Wen 文 was typically only given to those who had obtained Jinshi degree and served in the Hanlin Academy. Among all posthumous names, Wenzheng 文正 was considered the most prestigious, followed by Wenzhong 文忠, etc.

Terms used in posthumous names

The "Rules for Posthumous Names" section of the Lost Book of Zhou features an elaborate explanation of the terms used in posthumous names. Entries are sorted according to alphabetical order based on pinyin romanization.

  Praises ()

  Neutral terms ()

  Deprecations ()

	Term	Meaning / origin	Original explanation in Classical Chinese	Translated explanation in English
		"Lamentable"		One who loses their spouse and passes away at an early age is called "lamentable"
				One who is cautious and benevolent but passes away at an early age is called "lamentable"
				One who is immoral is called "lamentable"
				One who experiences tremendous misery is called "lamentable"
				One who dies of unnatural causes is called "lamentable"
		"Peaceful"		One who values peace and does not seek confrontation is called "peaceful"
				One who brings peace to the society is called "peaceful"
				One who is tolerant and gentle is called "peaceful"
				One who is affluent and harmonious is called "peaceful"
				One who respects virtuous individuals is called "peaceful"
				One who is kind and benevolent is called "peaceful"
				One who self-cultivates and brings stability to the society is called "peaceful"
				One who upholds morality and does not seek confrontation is called "peaceful"
				One who is respectful and spares no effort in abiding rituals is called "peaceful"
				One who is respectful and polite is called "peaceful"
				One who dresses adequately and speaks respectfully is called "peaceful"
				One who pursues righteousness and principles is called "peaceful"
				One who is courteous and does not trouble others is called "peaceful"
				One who is calm and does not enforce changes wilfully is called "peaceful"
				One who is courteous and upholds rituals adequately is called "peaceful"
				One who is dignified and abides by proper rituals is called "peaceful"
		"Emulous"		One who learns from and performs kind deeds is called "emulous"
				One who identifies with those congenial is called "emulous"
		"Accomplished"		One who brings peace to the society and establishes principles for politics is called "accomplished"
				One who executes law to establish societal order is called "accomplished"
				One who assists others and achieves great results is called "accomplished"
				One who establishes hierarchy and societal order is called "accomplished"
				One who establishes rituals is called "accomplished"
				One who achieves great deeds but remains true to inherent qualities is called "accomplished"
				One who achieves beautiful outcomes is called "accomplished"
				One who is powerful and upright is called "accomplished"
				One who is wise, brave, restraint and righteous is called "accomplished"
				One who brings peace to the society and is worthy of divine protection is called "accomplished"
				One who is wise and conscious is called "accomplished"
				One who is incessantly prudent is called "accomplished"
				One who upholds rituals without excuse is called "accomplished"
				One who is enlightened and pure is called "accomplished"
				One who honors promises is called "accomplished"
				One who is moral and abides by rituals is called "accomplished"
				One who acts morally is called "accomplished"
				One who advocates great enlightenment is called "accomplished"
				One who is spiritually pure and perfect is called "accomplished"
				One who is tranquil and enlightened is called "accomplished"
		"Sincere"		One whose purity and morality conform to natural principles is called "sincere"
				One who pursues moderation is called "sincere"
				One who is honest about treasured thoughts is called "sincere"
				One who is virtuous and pure is called "sincere"
				One who leads subordinates with earnest respect is called "sincere"
				One who is faithful and truthful is called "sincere"
				One who is genuinely charitable is called "sincere"
		"Otiose"		One who reigns at an early age is called "otiose"
				One who passes away at an early age is called "otiose"
		"Lofty"		One who is competent in fulfilling responsibilities is called "lofty"
		"Pure"		One who is impartial, upright and unsullied is called "pure"
				One who entrusts venerable individuals with governance and promotes nomocracy is called "pure"
				One who focuses on creating peace and stability is called "pure"
				One whose aspirations and thoughts are faithful is called "pure"
				One whose beliefs are perennial is called "pure"
				One whose inner thoughts are non-conflicting is called "pure"
				One who governs with unsullied intent is called "pure"
		"Merciful"		One who regards subjects as sons is called "merciful"
				One who meticulously care and educate is called "merciful"
				One who is gentle and benevolent is called "merciful"
		"Intelligent"		One who is able to comprehend the advice of venerable individuals is called "intelligent"
				One who heeds the advice of those on intimate terms is called "intelligent"
		"Unprejudiced"		One who is upright and righteous is called "unprejudiced"
				One who is impartial is called "unprejudiced"
		"Great"		One who follows heavenly principles and the ways of Yao is called "great"
		"Esteemed"		One who cares for subjects and promotes good governance is called "esteemed"
				One who abides by rituals and does not err is called "esteemed"
		"Dissolute"		One who frequently patronizes concubines and does not abide by rituals is called "dissolute"
				One who is uncultured and unrestrained is called "dissolute"
		"Mournful"		One who behaves wantonly with no regard for rituals is called "mournful"
				One who passes away prematurely is called "mournful"
				One who is vicious and causes the decline of the state is called "mournful"
				One who passes away at an early age is called "mournful"
		"Principled"		One who governs with kindness is called "principled"
		"Virtuous"		One who appeases the literati is called "virtuous"
				One who highlights the mistakes of others and urges their correction but is not haughty is called "virtuous"
				One who is meticulous but not haughty is called "virtuous"
				One who is patrician but not conceited and impertinent is called "virtuous"
				One who is loyal, peaceful and pure is called "virtuous"
				One who appeases and shows concern for visitors is called "virtuous"
				One who is unyielding, upright and tender is called "virtuous"
				One who shows concern for the people's sufferings is called "virtuous"
				One who is loyal and honest is called "virtuous"
				One who assists the ruler in governance is called "virtuous"
				One who is lenient and merciful is called "virtuous"
				One who leads a simple and incorrupt life is called "virtuous"
				One who is compassionate and kind is called "virtuous"
				One who is affluent but not conceited and impertinent is called "virtuous"
				One who accomplishes great deeds for the society is called "virtuous"
				One whose civil governance attracts foreigners from afar is called "virtuous"
				One who is farsighted and stays abreast of developments is called "virtuous"
				One who governs ethically and fosters societal stability is called "virtuous"
				One who respects and cherishes exemplary individuals is called "virtuous"
				One who is benevolent and enlightened is called "virtuous"
				One who is interested in entrusting venerable individuals with governance is called "virtuous"
				One who is generous and persistent is called "virtuous"
				One who is upright, gentle and righteous is called "virtuous"
				One who highlights the mistakes of others and urges their correction is called "virtuous"
				One whose actions and grooming conform to rituals is called "virtuous"
				One who bestows grace on uncultured and foreign peoples is called "virtuous"
				One who behaves morally without negligence is called "virtuous"
		"Unscrupulous"		One who is unfilial is called "unscrupulous"
				One who talks about morality but does not act accordingly is called "unscrupulous"
				One who does not rectify mistakes is called "unscrupulous"
		"Outstanding"		One who identifies and rectifies prior mistakes is called "outstanding"
		"Resolute"		One who ponders the means to achieve socio-psychological stability is called "resolute"
				One who ponders the means to achieve socio-economic stability is called "resolute"
				One who is morally upright without negligence is called "resolute"
				One who emulates the ancestors in creating societal stability is called "resolute"
				One whose actions do not deviate from moral principles is called "resolute"
				One who makes up for prior mistakes is called "resolute"
				One who treats all with benevolence is called "resolute"
				One who inherits military accomplishments from prior individuals is called "resolute"
				One who performs duties without negligence is called "resolute"
				One who investigates issues prudently is called "resolute"
				One whose morality and ethics are unwavering is called "resolute"
				One who works tirelessly for national stability is called "resolute"
				One who brings peace to the state is called "resolute"
				One who is pure, upright and follows natural principles is called "resolute"
				One who is merciful and benevolent is called "resolute"
				One who governs morally and brings peace to China and beyond is called "resolute"
				One who is calm and abides by law is called "resolute"
		"Lawful"		One who is able to render apposite judgment is called "lawful"
				One whose actions are legally appropriate is called "lawful"
				One who governs based on legal principles is called "lawful"
				One whose actions are customary is called "lawful"
				One whose actions are informed by morality is called "lawful"
				One who is magnanimous and welcoming is called "lawful"
				One who establishes principles and regulations is called "lawful"
				One whose virtuous actions are models for future generations is called "lawful"
		"Upright"		One who abides by rituals and moral code is called "upright"
				One who self-cultivates according to virtuous principles is called "upright"
				One who leads subordinates with dignity and respect is called "upright"
				One who is respectful and magnanimous is called "upright"
				One who handles issues faithfully and calmly is called "upright"
				One who abides by rituals and respects oneself is called "upright"
		"Altruistic"		One who performs kind deeds without negligence is called "altruistic"
				One who is benevolent and loyal is called "altruistic"
				One who is aware of the positive aspects of the state is called "altruistic"
				One who is benevolent to subordinates is called "altruistic"
				One who cultivates harmonious relationships with family members and friends is called "altruistic"
				One whose virtuous behaviors are unwavering is called "altruistic"
		"Unruly"		One who violates national law is called "unruly"
		"Undaunted"		One who makes up for prior mistakes is called "undaunted"
				One who is tenacious and courageous is called "undaunted"
				One who valiantly battles enemies is called "undaunted"
				One who is powerful and not impressionable is called "undaunted"
				One who is unwavering in pursuing self-improvement is called "undaunted"
				One who decisively enforces law and implements punishment is called "undaunted"
				One who does not yield in the face of brutality is called "undaunted"
				One who is righteous and courageous is called "undaunted"
		"High"		One who treats all virtuously is called "high"
				One whose merit is lofty is called "high"
				One whose bestowed grace is equivalent to that of the heaven is called "high"
		"Revolutionary"		One who advances proposition is called "revolutionary"
		"Selfless"		One who aspires to serve public interests is called "selfless"
		"Deferential"		One who respects exemplary individuals and prioritizes morality is called "deferential"
				One who is meticulous in actions and respects superiors is called "deferential"
				One who respects exemplary individuals and is modest is called "deferential"
				One who rectifies prior mistakes is called "deferential"
				One who is steadfast is called "deferential"
				One who cares for subjects in the same way as elders care for juniors is called "deferential"
				One who is courteous to guests is called "deferential"
				One who tolerates the mistakes of family members is called "deferential"
				One who respects elders and promotes kindness is called "deferential"
				One who has no desire is called "deferential"
				One who works tirelessly is called "deferential"
				One who owns up to and rectifies mistakes is called "deferential"
				One who is proficient but not conceited is called "deferential"
				One who assumes good faith while handling issues is called "deferential"
				One who does not neglect duties is called "deferential"
				One who is modest is called "deferential"
				One who does not neglect the pursuit of morality is called "deferential"
				One who does not deviate from national law is called "deferential"
				One who does not embarrass and discommode the ruler is called "deferential"
				One who behaves virtuously and dresses adequately is called "deferential"
				One who does not neglect moral actions is called "deferential"
				One who treats others with respect is called "deferential"
				One who is diligent and does not err is called "deferential"
				One who is attentive to people's sufferings is called "deferential"
				One who treats subordinates with dignity is called "deferential"
				One who is modest, gentle and not negligent is called "deferential"
				One who is modest and obedient to elders is called "deferential"
		"Brilliant"		One whose accomplishments rival that of heaven and earth is called "brilliant"
				One who is worthy of succeeding the achievements of ancestors is called "brilliant"
				One who accomplishes greater feats than predecessors but remains modest is called "brilliant"
				One whose accomplishments are meritorious and noteworthy is called "brilliant"
		"Magnificent"		One whose great deeds have far-reaching impact is called "magnificent"
				One who is competent in emulating all things is called "magnificent"
		"Motivated"		One who is vigorous and courageous is called "motivated"
				One who is studious is called "motivated"
				One who is decisive in handling issues is called "motivated"
		"Bright"		One who is familiar with ordinances and regulations is called "bright"
		"Moderate"		One who is neither overly unrelenting nor lenient is called "moderate"
				One who promotes venerable individuals and yields to qualified individuals is called "moderate"
				One who wins over the people and treats them virtuously is called "moderate"
				One whose policies confer satisfaction to the people is called "moderate"
				One who cultivates harmonious relationships among members of the nine grades of relations is called "moderate"
				One who appeases and cultivates harmonious relationships among the people is called "moderate"
				One who is good-natured and does not treat others ruthlessly is called "moderate"
		"Kind"		One who considers meticulously and is uncorrupted is called "kind"
				One who perseveres in maintaining honesty and simplicity is called "kind"
				One who is good-natured and shows care for others is called "kind"
		"Long-lived"		One who lives to old age is called "long-lived"
				One who ensures societal stability and the welfare of the elders is called "long-lived"
				One who protects the people from terror is called "long-lived"
		"Yearned"		One who persists in performing moral deeds is called "yearned"
				One who is benevolent but passes away at an early age is called "yearned"
				One who is benevolent and understands etiquette is called "yearned"
				One who loses the rightful position and passes away as a result is called "yearned"
				One who is benevolent and behaves rationally is called "yearned"
				One whose good deeds are remembered by the people is called "yearned"
		"Fabled"		One who expands the territories and pacifies those living afar is called "fabled"
				One who is respectful and serves the people diligently is called "fabled"
				One who expands the territories and conquers other states is called "fabled"
				One who pacifies the world through military might is called "fabled"
				One who repeatedly resolves problems is called "fabled"
				One who defeats enemies and pacifies those living afar is called "fabled"
				One who achieves military aspirations is called "fabled"
				One who is powerful and mighty is called "fabled"
		"Unrestrained"		One who rules over a period of no harvest is called "unrestrained"
				One who induces external threats and internal rebellions is called "unrestrained"
				One who indulges in pleasures and neglects governance is called "unrestrained"
				One who disregards established rules is called "unrestrained"
				One who indulges in pleasures and shows no sign of reflection is called "unrestrained"
				One who is frivolous and disregards moral principles is called "unrestrained"
		"Wonderful"		One who is moral and exhibits sagely characteristics is called "wonderful"

Wen 文

• Wen 文
  • Han Yu 韓愈
  • Bai Juyi 白居易
  • Wang Anshi 王安石
  • Zhu Xi 朱熹
• Wencheng 文成
  • Liu Ji 劉基
  • Wang Yangming 王阳明
• Wending 文定
  • Liu Kezhuang 劉克莊
  • Shen Shixing 申時行
  • Xu Guangqi 徐光啟
• Wenhe 文和
  • Zhang Tingyu 張廷玉
• Wenmin 文敏
  • Zhao Mengfu 趙孟頫
  • Dong Qichang 董其昌
• Wenxiang 文襄
  • Zuo Zongtang 左宗棠
  • Zhang Zhidong 張之洞
• Wenzhen 文貞
  • Wei Zheng 魏徵
  • Xu Jie 徐階
• Wenzheng 文正
  • Fan Zhongyan 范仲淹
  • Sima Guang 司馬光
  • Xu Heng 許衡
  • Wu Cheng 吳澄
  • Li Dongyang 李東陽
  • Xie Qian 謝遷
  • Zeng Guofan 曾國藩
• Wenzhong 文忠
  • Ouyang Xiu 歐陽修
  • Su Shi 蘇軾
  • Zhang Juzheng 張居正
  • Lin Zexu 林則徐
  • Li Hongzhang 李鴻章

Wu 武

• Wumu 武穆
  • Yue Fei 岳飛
• Wuning 武寧
  • Xu Da 徐達
• Wulie 武烈
  • Sun Jian 孫堅

Others

• Zhongsu 忠肅
  • Yu Qian 于謙
• Zhongwu 忠武
  • Zhuge Liang 諸葛亮
  • Han Shizhong 韓世忠
  • Chang Yuchun 常遇春
  • Yi Sun-sin 李舜臣
• Zhongzheng 忠正
  • Shi Kefa 史可法