What is shi tou?

Shi Tou (石头) is a Chinese surname that literally means "stone" or "rock" in English. According to historical records, it is one of the oldest surnames in China, dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (771-476 BC). The exact origin of the name is unclear but it is believed to have originated from a place name or a profession related to stones. Today, the Shi Tou surname is relatively uncommon and mainly found in the southern provinces of Guangdong, Fujian, and Hunan. Famous individuals with this surname include Shi Tou, a contemporary poet and writer, and Shi Tou (d. 843), a Tang dynasty general and governor of Hebei province.