Three Kingdoms History: Officer Names

Lord of Jibei. Bao Zhong’s brother. Died fighting the Yellow Turbans.

Served Wei. Son of Bao Xin. Due to conflicts with Cao Pi, was eventually executed.

Aide to Cao Cao, his family was captured and he left only to be captured later.

* Also called Bi Cheng in the SGZ.

Officer of Cao Shuang’s faction, executed by Sima Yi after Sima Yi’s coup.

Served Wei. Brother of Empress Bian.

Fictional. Met Guan Yu with mock hospitality at Sishui Pass, and died for his trouble.

Friend of Hua Xin. Belly of “The Dragon”, a group of three scholars.

An officer of Merit who first hid when Liu Biao attacked, but took part in fighting after ...

Cai Mao’s brother. Surrendered to Wu before Chibi, but executed by Zhou Yu.

Officer of Zhuge Ke, he defected to Wei with his entire company at Xincheng.

Killed by Zhou Yu’s plot while serving Cao Cao. Brother of Liu Biao’s wife.

Cai Mao’s cousin. Surrendered to Wu before Chibi, but was killed by Gan Ning.

Served Wei. Cao Cao’s first son. Died to save his father.

Served Wei. Cao Cao’s nephew. Died in the battle against Zhang Xiu.

* Called ‘Cao Amin’ for some reason in the online version of the novel.

Founder of Wei. Built the foundation of what would become the Jin Dynasty.

* In Sanguozhi Chen Shou references him with the honorary title, Wu Di (武帝), or ‘Martial Emperor’. Cao Cao appears in other sources under this name. Cao Cao’s infant name was A-Man (阿瞞).

Cao Cao’s third son. Possessed and adult’s intelligence at age 5, but died ...

Cao Ren’s younger brother. Defeated by Zhou Yu in the southern cities.

Brother of Cao Cao. Killed by Zhang Kai with his father Cao Song.

Cao Rui’s crown prince. Became Emperor at age eight. Deposed by Sima Shi.

Served Wei. One of Cao Cao’s cousins and a vital element of his army.

Son of Cao Xu. Last Emperor of the Wei Dynasty. Abdicated to Sima Yan.

* Originally named Cao Huang (曹璜). An Emperor’s given name was ineffable. As such, it was stricken from use (sometimes changing city names and re-writing literature). Cao Huang changed his name to Huan to lessen the impact of this practice (learn more).

First son of Cao Rui. Prince of Qinghe. Died the year he was born.

Grandson of Cao Pi. Was made Emperor after Cao Fang’s abdication by Sima Shi.

Second son of Cao Rui. Prince of Fanyang. Died young.

Cao Cao’s second son and successor. Deposed Emperor Xian. First Wei Emperor.

Cao Cao’s cousin. Served as Minister of War for Cao Cao.

Emperor Ming of Wei. Managed to demote Sima Yi. Wasted country resources.

Cao Rui’s daughter and fourth child. Died in infancy. SGZ: Empress Zhen, Yang Fu.

Regent of Cao Fang. Underestimated Sima Yi, was stripped of power, and executed.

Served Wei. The Prince of Xiang Shang. Died at a young age.

Adopted son of Cao Teng and father of Cao Cao. Also called Xiahou Song.

* Occasionally listed as, and once named, Xiahou Song (夏侯嵩). Pronunciation of Jugao as a style name cannot be added until we have Han Zi for this.

Younger brother of Cao Shuang. Executed by Sima Yi after he outsmarted Shuang.

Fourth son of Cao Cao from second concubine Lady Bian.

A younger cousin of Cao Cao. Was defeated by Zhou Fang.

Cao Zhen’s third son. Younger brother of Cao Shuang. Executed by Sima Yi.

Third son of Cao Rui. Posthumously Prince Ai of Anping. Died the year after he was born.

General of Cao Ren. Killed by Pang De, who also took his horse.

Son of Cao Cao. Refused to be Regent to Cao Fang due to his modest nature.

Cao Cao’s second son. Fond of martial arts. Died not long after Cao Cao.

Served Wei. Adopted into Cao family. Managed affairs after Cao Pi’s death.

* Cao Zhen’s original family name was Qin. He was adopted into the Cao clan.

Cao Cao’s third son and originally favored as heir. Famous Poet.

Relative of Cao Zhen. Appointed as vanguard against Zhuge Liang. Killed by Wei Yan.

Escort for the captured Wooden Horses but was killed by Wang Ping.

Led an attack on Ruxu but was ambushed and killed by Zhu Huan.

Advised Cao Pi to not lead the army against Su Bo and Tian Yin but to leave it to a vassal.

One of the Taishan Mountain Bandits. Persuaded to join Cao Cao by Zhang Liao.

Served Cao Cao. Provisional Protector/Imperial Inspector of Xuzhou.

Spied on Lü Bu with his father, Gui, for Cao Cao. Joined Liu Bei, then surrendered ...

Talented advisor who served, and died with, Lü Bu. Helped Cao Cao in the novel.

Known as a righteous, happy yet calm person. Highly respected governor.

General of Sima Zhao. Participated in Sima Zhao’s campaign against Zhuge Dan.

Serves Yuan Shu, then later leaves to join the Mt. Songshan Bandits with Lei Bo.

* Chen Jian in To Esablish Peace

Served under Emperor Ling, then under Yuan Shao. A superior writer.

A key Wei officer in the suppression of Zhuge Dan. Brigadier General of Jin.

* Appears in some sources under the name Chen Xuan (陳鶱).

Served Cao Rui. Captain under Sima Yi in his campaign against Gongsun Yuan.

Served Wei. Imperial Censor under Cao Cao. Supreme Commander under Cao Pi.

* Sometimes his style is referenced incorrectly as ‘Zhangwen’.

Defended Wei against Jiang Wei. Wept at Cao Mao’s death, and died soon after.

Tried to destroy Sun Ce by getting lords in the south to ally against him.

Vanguard of Cao Zhen’s army and is slain by Ma Dai.

Served Han Sui as a strategist. Suggested hiding among the Qiang. Submitted to Cao Cao.

Son of Cheng Yu, who served Wei.

Son of Cheng Yu, who served Wei.

Served Wei. Son of Cheng Yu. Advised Xiahou Mao against Zhao Yun.

One of Han Sui’s Eight Knights. Died fighting Cao Cao at Wei Nan.

Served Wei as an advisor. From Dong’e in Dongjun.

* Cheng (程) Li (立) was his original name, he dreamed about the mount Tai Shan when he was young, holding the sun (日) with both hands. Hence Cao Cao changed his name to Yu (昱) [Cheng Yu]. As you can see the word of Yu is composed with the word ‘sun’ (日) and the word ‘stand’ Li (立), together they form the word of Yu (昱).

Tribal chief, swore fealty to Cao Cao rather then help the Yuan sons.

* The characters of 烏桓 (wuhuan) are the same as those used for the Wuhuan tribe, thus ‘Chu of Wuhuan’ in many respected sources.

Cui Yan’s younger cousin, discussed the scholars of Ji province with Chen Qun.

Scholar who served Yuan Shao then Cao Cao, who executed him for his opposition.

Served as assistant general to Zhang He during battle against Zhuge Liang.

Served as advisor to Deng Ai. Spread false rumours about Jiang Wei.

Served Wei. Campaigned against Shu with Zhong Hui and brilliantly struck Chengdu.

Meng Da’s nephew. Under orders from Sima Yi, he betrayed Meng Da.

Served under Liu Cong with Liu Xian. Surrendered to Cao Cao after Cong’s death.

Served Wei. Deng Ai’s talented son. Died attempting to aid his father.

* Referenced incorrectly as ‘Deng Zong’ in some online historical sources.

Served Wei. Dian Wei’s son. Rose to Chief Commandant.

Served Wei. One of Cao Cao’s trusted guards. Dian Man’s father.

* We originally listed Dian Wei’s style as Ziman (子曼). As we are no longer able to locate the source, and a few possible causes for error have turned up, we no longer have reason to believe he had the name.

Magistrate of Weinan. Set free animals at Tong Gate to confuse Ma Chao’s army.

Supporter of Cao Shuang. Executed by Sima Yi.

Brother of Ding Yi (丁儀). Supporter of Cao Zhi. Executed with his brother ...

* Not to be confused with Ding Yì (丁儀). Sometimes incorrectly translated (perhaps in the name of disambiguation) as Ding Yin.

Brother of Ding Yi (丁廙). Supporter of Cao Zhi. Executed with his brother ...

* Not to be confused with Ding Yí (丁廙).

Objected to Pang De as leader for battle against Guan Yu.

Served Han as General of Cavalry and Chariots. Plots to assassinate Cao Cao.

Served Han then Wei. Advised Cao Cao to move the capital to Xuchang.

Judged the best administrator in the empire, kept the people of He Dong loyal to Wei.

Gentleman of the Court Music. Reprimanded Liu Biao for creating an orchestra for his court.

Wife of Cao Cao and mother of Cao Pi. Made empress dowager when Cao Pi became emperor.

One of Cao Pi’s wives, said to have spread doubts about Cao Rui’s birth.

Daughter of Zhang Qi. Empress to Cao Fang. Ordered executed by Sima Shi.

Formerly Yuan Xi’s wife. Later married to Cao Pi. Became Empress.

* Empress Zhen is frequently called Zhen Ji, as she is named by Koei. Referenced elsewhere as Zhen Luo (甄洛) or Empress Wenzhao (文昭皇后). I’ve recorded this as Huang2hou4 Zhen1 (Empress Zhen), with Ji1 as her given name. To say her name as Koei suggests, use Zhen (surname) and Ji1 (given name) together.

Appointed a prefect of Luoyang when Cao Cao moved the capital to Xuchang.

Officer of Wei. Reached rank of Grand Commander, but died in battle.

Served the Shanyue. Later submitted to Wei, and rebelled against Sun Quan.

Served Yuan Shang. Punished for intoxication. Betrayed to Wei. Killed by Shen Pei.

Chair of the Secretariat, he opposed Sima Shi’s invasion of Wu.

Advised Liu Cong to surrender.

* Sometimes appears as ‘Fu Xuan’ in Brewitt-Taylor translations.

Originally a talented officer of Yuan Shao. Defected with Zhang He to Wei.

Minister of the Interior. Given provisional command of the army to seize Cao Shuang’s ...

Launched a coup against Cao Cao. Wounded Wang Bi. Executed after his failure.

Studied under Zheng Xuan with his friend Cui Yan. He died young.

Originally subject to Wei. Declared himself King of Yan, but was executed by Sima Yi.

Drunkard officer under Li Yan. Beaten for arriving late with supplies, and fled to Wei.

Sworn brother of Liu Bei and Zhang Fei. First of the Five Tiger Generals.

* Originally styled Changsheng (長生). He is frequently referenced by the honorary title, Guan Gong (關公), or ‘Lord Guan’. Guan Yu appears as Guan Gong or Lord Guan in most novel translations, many historic texts, and modern conversation outside the Three Kingdoms community, and on most merchandise. In religion he is called Saintly Emperor Guan (關聖帝君) or in Buddhism, Sangharama Bodhisattva (伽藍菩薩) (more).

Son of Guanqiu Jian, he advised his father to rebel.

Officer of Wei. Revolted against Sima Shi when he deposed Cao Fang.

* Sometimes mistranslated in Koei games as Wuqiu Jian.

Younger brother of Guanqiu Jian.

Served Wei and fought extensively against Shu. Brother of Guo Pei. Father of Guo Tong.

Served Cao Cao as a trusted adviser during the formative years of Wei.

Son of Guo Jia, became Imperial Tutor. Well educated.

Served Wei. Father to Han Ying, Yao, Qiong, and Qi. Died at Changshan facing Zhao Yun.

Surrendered to Yuan Shao but was abused. Fled to Zhang Miao and later committed suicide.

Governor of Luo Yang, killed by Guan Yu while guarding the passes.

* Translated in Brewitt-Taylor editions of the novel, and in Koei games, as Han Qu.

Officer of Yuan Shu. Convinced by Xiahou Dun to join Cao Cao.

Sent by Cao Rui to tell Cao Zhen not to give battle against Zhuge Liang.

Worked with Ma Chao, before defecting to Cao Cao. Lost his hand to Ma Chao.

Magistrate of Chang Sha. Wei Yan killed him when surrendering to Liu Bei.

A talented officer of Wei. Successfully defended against Zhuge Liang at Chencang.

Son of He Kui, became Minister over the Masses.

Masters of Writing. Claimed Yuan Shu lacked support if he declared himself Emperor.

Rescued Mao Jie from jail but unable to restore his rank.

The grandson of He Jin, he served Wei. Was a trusted friend of Cao Shuang.

Cavalry commander under Lü Bu. Defected to Cao Cao.

One of Han Sui’s Eight Knights. Surrendered to Cao Cao along with Han Sui

Killed Zhuge Dan of Wu. Advised Du Yu to wait before attacking Jian Ye.

Took part in invasion of Shu, got former a vassal to warn his son about Zhong Hui’s ...

Son of Hu Lie, his army killed Zhong Hui and defeated Jiang Wei’s revolt.

Governor of Dongwan, took part in Cao Xiu’s invasion of Wu.

Led the van against Gongsun Yuan then led the van in an invasion of Wu’s Dongxing.

Head of “The Dragon”, a group of three scholars. Promoted Emperor Xian’s ...

Known as “Bag of Wisdom”, his advice was not heeded by Cao Shuang. Jailed ...

Served Wu, Wei. Negotiated the return of Sun Jian’s body. Involved with Xian’s ...

* Translated incorrectly as Huan Ji in some sources, including several Brewitt-Taylor editions.

Served Liu Zhang and later Liu Bei. Surrendered to Wei out of necessity.

Son of Huang Quan, who served Liu Zhang then Shu. Died without issue.

Officer of Wei and, later, Jin. Joined Zhong Hui in his conquest of Hanzhong.

Son of Ji Ping. Joined Geng Ji’s coup to avenge his father but was killed in the ...

* Ji Miao sometimes appears as Ji Mao. The correct translation of 邈 is Miao.

Son of Ji Ping. Fled the capital but returned secretly. Died in Geng Ji’s coup.

Son of Jia Kui. Suggested usurption of the throne to Sima Yan.

Officer of Gongsun Yuan. Was executed by Yuan for opposing his declaration of independence.

Served as strategist to Cao Xiu, seeing through Zhou Fang’s plot.

Skillful advisor. Served Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Xiu, then Cao Cao.

* Jia Xu is pronounced Jia2 Xu3 because of the 3rd tone preceeding the second in his normal given name. His name and style name should be pronounced and said as “Jia3 Wen2 He2”, not “Jia2 Wen2 He2”

Advised Zhuge Dan to force a battle to escape but was rejected. Surrendered to Wei.

Friend of Zhou Yu, he was sent to spy on Wu but was tricked, helping to cause Wei’s ...

Advised against moving the capital when Guan Yu attacked. Helped Sima Yi deal with Cao ...

Served Shu as Minister of War, eventually inheriting Zhuge Liang’s responsibilities.

Cousin of Yang Fu. Helped to drive out Ma Chao, but Ma Chao killed his mother.

Served Yuan Xi with Zhang Nan. Betrayed to Cao Cao. Killed by Han Dang at Chi Bi.

Advisor of Zhuge Dun, slipped over the walls and surrendered to Wei.

Descendant of Jin Midi. Advised Geng Ji on killing Wang Bi. Died fighting in the coup.

* May also have been Jin Wei, son of Jin Shang.

One of the lords that assembled against Dong Zhuo. Descended from Confucius.

One of the defenders of the Passes killed by Guan Yu.

Father of Kong Rong (Wenju), who served Wei.

Governor of Fangling. Killed by Meng Da’s troops. Supposedly related to Kuai Yue.

Younger brother of Kuai Liang. Became a vassal of Wei when Cao Cao took Jing.

Served Wei. Fought along with Cao Chun during the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Served Cao Fang. Killed by Sima Shi for plotting against him with Xiahou Xuan and Zhang ...

Secretary to Yuan Shang, then served under Cao Pi.

Son of Li Tong who inherited his rank.

One of Han Sui’s Eight Knights. Accidentally killed by Yu Jin’s arrow.

Member of Cao Shuang’s faction, he was sent to check on Sima Yi’s health.

An officer of Wei. Saved Cao Cao’s rearguard in the retreat from Zhang Xiu.

Son of Li Tong who was stationed at Fancheng, where he achieved some merit.

Advised Gongsun Du against attacking Ye while Cao Cao was on campaign elsewhere.

Inspector of Bing province, he pacified the Shanyu.

Originally of Wei, he submitted to Zhuge Liang and was made Governor of Tianshui.

An officer of Liu Zhang and, later, Liu Bei. Served in the northern campaigns.

First Emperor of Shu and sworn brother of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

* Liu Bei is commonly referenced by the name, Xian Zhu (先主), ‘First Ruler’ or ‘First Soverign’. Chen Shou, in the Sanguozhi, refers to Liu Bei by this title to indicate the illegitimacy of his dynasty in the eyes of Jin. Sun Quan and his clan are placed on an even lower pedestal.

Inherited Liu Biao’s kingdom upon his death, then surrendered it to Cao Cao.

* His name is frequently written ‘Liu Zong’, but this is incorrect.

Governor of Lingling. He surrendered to Liu Bei after his son was defeated.

Imperial Protector of Yangzhou. Rendered valuable service. Killed by Cao Cao in a drunken ...

Liu Bei’s son and the second Emperor of Shu. Destroyed Shu through ineptitude.

* Also known by his infant name, A-Dou (阿斗). See Liu Shan’s Comprehensive Officer Biography for more information on his name.

Sent by Cao Rui to save Jiangxia from Wu.

Predicted Shu would fall but also that neither Deng Ai nor Zhong Hui would return.

Served under Liu Cong with Deng Yi. Surrendered to Cao Cao after Cong’s death.

* His name is incorrectly translated as ‘Liu Xin’ in some Brewitt-Taylor editions.

Prefect of Lu Jiang under Yuan Shu. He was tricked into abandoning his city by Sun Ce ...

Grand Administrator of Dong commandery. Yuan Shao sent Yan Liang to attack him.

* Appears in Brewitt-Taylor translations as Liu Yue.

With other officials, went to Emperor Xian to petition his abdication to Cao Pi.

Served Wei. Among the officials that petitioned Emperor Xian to abdicate to Cao Pi.

Sent by Cao Cao to reinforce Zhao Yan, who was having trouble with mutineers.

Dismissed fears that Liu Cong’s surrender was a trap.

* ‘Lou’ and ‘Lu’ are both accepted ways of writing 婁.

Served Yuan Shang. Defected to Yuan Tan then Cao Cao. Attacking Liu Bei, killed by Zhao ...

Served Cao Cao, and later Cao Pi, as Military Aide.

Younger brother of Lü Kuang, whom he followed everywhere.

* For some reason in To Esablish Peace his name is Gao Xiang

Son of Lu Zhi, became Consultant Foreman Clerk in the Department of Legal Administration.

Master of Works for Cao Rui. Advised the Emperor to drink Celestial Elixir.

Governed Xi Liang. Descendant of the famous warrior Ma Yuan. Ma Chao’s father.

One of Ma Teng’s sons. Executed by Cao Cao on his way to Xuchang.

Second son of Ma Teng. Executed by Cao Cao on his way to Xuchang.

Served Yuan Shang, and later Cao Cao. Killed by Gan Ning.

Served Wei as a magistrate. Was defeated by Shu and fled to Hu.

Served Cao Cao as Military Aide. Helped to repel Shu’s fifth northern campaign.

Served as Military Aide to Cao Cao. Later Staff Supervisor, then Naval Commander.

Refused aid to Guan Yu. Defeated by Sima Yi. In novel, kills Xu Huang.

Friend of Xu Shu and Zhuge Liang. Joined Wei. Became Inspector of Liang Province.

Helped defeat Mei Cheng and Chen Lan at Heavenly Pillar in 203.

Subordinate of Cao Ren. Attacked Zhou Yu’s camp at Nanjun, but was defeated and ...

Served Ma Chao, Zhang Lu, then Cao Cao. Fought against Guan Yu at Fan Cheng.

Pang De’s son. Had Guan Yu’s clan exterminated after Shu’s surrender.

Pang Tong’s brother. Fought in Yiling. Surrendered to Wei with Huang Quan.

Served Wei in Liangzhou.

Served Wei. District Governor of Jincheng before helping Deng Ai’s invasion of Shu.

Served under Sima Yi. Killed in a trap set by Zhuge Liang

Served Wei under Xiahou Dun. In novel, killed by Guan Yu leaving Cao Cao.

Military Inspector of Wei. Advisor to Deng Ai.

Commander of Zhong Hui, helped warn Wei forces of Zhong Hui’s revolt.

Defended Shou Chun during Zhuge Dan’s rebellion, but surrendered to Wei.

Son of Quan Cong who defected to Wei.

Quan Cong’s son. Sent to aid Zhuge Dan’s rebellion, but surrendered to Wei.

Looked after military stores with Mao Jie.

Advisor of Sima Zhao’s. Warned Sima Zhao about trusting Zhong Hui.

Brother of Shen Yi. Governor of Shangyong. Surrendered from Wei to Shu to Wei.

Nephew of Shen Pei. Betrayed Jizhou after the family of his friend, Xin Pi, was executed.

Brother of Shen Dan. Friend of Meng Da. Surrendered from Wei to Shu then again to Wei.

Army Inspector. Later promoted Commander of the Flying Cavalry.

General of Xu Huang, captured messenger which gave them vital information.

Old friend of Zhuge Liang. Joined Cao Cao with Xu Shu and worked on agriculture.

Joined Deng Ai’s attack on the Riverlands. Was made Imperial Protector of Yizhou.

Sima Yi’s younger brother. Served Wei loyally to the end.

Elder brother to Sima Yi. Served as an official during Emperor Xian’s reign.

Sima Yi’s son. After Yi’s death, held real authority in Wei. Instrumental ...

Sima Fu’s son, but was adopted by Sima Lang. Fought Shu with Deng Ai.

Son of Sima Zhao. Installed as the first Emperor of the Jin Dynasty.

* Known formally as Emperor Wu of Jin.

A skilled advisor of the Wei kingdom. His efforts laid the foundation of Jin.

* Si Ma, in this case is the double barreled surname, Yi is the given name.

Second son of Sima Zhao. Known as a kind and warm-natured man.

Son of Sima Yi. Father of Sima Yan. Controlled the Wei army after his brother, Shi’s, ...

Wei civil officer who served three generations of the Cao family.

Served Wei. Friend of Cui Yan who died young.

Served Lü Bu, but joined Cao Cao after Hou Cheng was punished. Killed by Yan Liang.

Vanguard commander of Guo Huai (who served Cao Zhen). Killed by Zhao Zilong.

General who saw service mostly in western China.

A general of Wei. Fought against Shu under Sima Yi and Cao Zhen.

Served Wu then surrendered to Wei. Collected ships for Zhong Hui.

A vassal of Yuan Shao. Extremely loyal to the Yuan’s, but later joined Cao Cao.

Slew Deng Ai and his son according to the novel.

General of Wei under Cao Rui who was dispatched to Xiangyang to counter Wu’s invasion.

* Also referred to erroneously as Tian Du.

Officer of Zhong Hui in Wei’s later days.