The surname Ma, ranking as the 13th most common in mainland China, literally means “horse” and carries strong cultural symbolism of success, power, and vitality. The Chinese character for Ma is a pictograph that visually resembles a horse, with distinct features such as the head, tail, legs, and mane strokes. This character has evolved over time from early Qin and Han dynasty scripts, where the horse’s legs and tail were depicted with five strokes, to the modern form with four dots.

Historically, many influential figures have borne the surname Ma, including the Han dynasty general Ma Yuan, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Alibaba founder Jack Ma Yun, and Tencent CEO Pony Ma. The name Ma not only reflects a rich multicultural heritage but also embodies the qualities associated with the horse in Chinese culture—speed, strength, and an unyielding spirit.