The source of the family name is found mostly in a few key books. Family moves depend on old records or stories passed down. Some records even attach a map and directions for returning to the village of origin.
姓氏源一般可由書中查得，如「萬姓統譜」、「古今圖書集成氏族典」或彭桂芳所撰「五百年前是一家」等；而遷徙則靠舊家譜或先人傳述而得，有些家譜甚至附上地圖及歸鄉交通方式，以利後人按圖尋根。