Migration and Distribution (Not available) The Tantai surname is not listed among the top 100 surnames in the mainland and Taiwan. The Tantai surname originated during the Spring and Autumn period. There was a place called Tantai Mountain (now south of Jiaxiang County, Shandong Province) in the State of Lu. Later, there was a disciple of Confucius, with the courtesy name Ziyu and given name Mieming. He was ugly in appearance but upright in conduct. He liked the scenery there and settled down, then took the mountain name as his surname, so he was called Tantai Mieming. His descendants inherited the Tantai surname, passing it down through generations. Another theory also traces its origin to a place name, specifically a lake named Tantai. According to records, Mieming traveled south and once lived by Lake Tantai, and took the lake name as his surname. Later generations followed suit. Nowadays, the Tantai surname is not commonly seen, and many with the Tantai surname have long since simplified it to the Tai surname. The Tantai surname has its prestigious origin in Taiyuan Commandery, which was established by King Zhuangxiang of Qin during the Warring States period. The administrative seat was Jinyang, located southwest of present - day Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province.