The generation of surnames is arranged by character generation.
In order to reflect the clan relationship, people of the same generation in the family usually need to find a "***" with the same character when naming. The "***" with the same character for different generations is arranged to form the family, which is used to indicate the lineage. The characters of successive generations.
The formation of the word generation is to distinguish the superior and the inferior, and distinguish between the elder and the younger. The dignity here does not refer to political status, but to the hierarchy within the family.
As for the emergence of the word generation, in the Han Dynasty, and even in the pre-Qin period, there were some sprouts or signs of reflecting peer relationships in the names, such as choosing the same word for *** or using radicals It is reflected in the radical.
However, this can only be the germination. It is far from truly purposefully and consciously using the same character as *** to distinguish seniority, and then pre-selecting a certain number of "auspicious characters" with certain meanings as a group. There is still a considerable gap between these regulations and the characters that future generations must abide by when naming them.
Extended information:
Confucian culture’s emphasis on seniority stems from the unique social structure of agricultural society. This characteristic of the Chinese people is related to the influence of Confucian culture for thousands of years. Confucius himself was a person who paid great attention to "propriety", and propriety is the form of communication between people. Most of the rituals approved by Confucius emphasize the importance of status.
The entire "The Analects of Confucius Xiangdang" talks about etiquette, including what rules scholars should follow in various situations and when facing various people. Confucius's etiquette has two core dimensions. One is "filial piety" based on closeness and distance, and the other is "loyalty" based on respect and inferiority. Meng Yizi asked about filial piety, and Confucius said: "It's no violation." ("The Analects of Confucius is Government").
The first principle of filial piety is to be obedient and have a pleasant appearance (color is difficult). This is considered polite and considerate. To the monarch, one must "serve the monarch with courtesy" ("The Analects of Confucius") in order to be considered loyal. With these two items, the relationship between people is no longer equal. The so-called "lord, king, minister, father, father, son" is a manifestation of seniority.
Baidu Encyclopedia-Seniority