Genghis Khan Family Tree: The Story Behind The Mongol Empire's Founder

Temüjin Borjigin — later known as Genghis Khan ("Universal Ruler") — born around 1162 (traditional date 16 May 1162) in Khentii Aimag, modern-day Mongolia, was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire (1206–1227) — the largest contiguous land empire in history at its peak. He died 18 or 25 August 1227 during a campaign against the Tangut Western Xia kingdom.

The Family's Roots: The Borjigin Mongol Tribe

The Borjigin were a Mongol clan; the family had been local chieftains for generations. After Genghis's father's death, the family was abandoned by their tribe and lived in extreme poverty for years.

His Parents

Father: Yesügei Baghatur — chieftain of the Kiyad tribe; poisoned by a rival Tatar group when Temüjin was about 9, leaving the family without protection.

Mother: Hö'elün — second wife of Yesügei (he had abducted her from her first husband); raised five children alone after Yesügei's death.

His Brothers

Behter — half-brother; killed by Temüjin and his full brother as boys (a defining episode).

Belgutei — half-brother; survived; remained a Mongol Empire general.

Qasar (also Hasar) — younger full brother; general.

Hachiun — younger full brother.

Temüge — youngest full brother.

His Sister

Temülen — younger full sister.

His Wives

Börte Üjin (c. 1161 – c. 1230) — Genghis's first and principal wife; married before he was 16; abducted by a rival tribe early in their marriage but recovered. Mother of all four of his designated heirs.

Many other wives across the empire (~500 wives and concubines).

His Recognised Sons (Designated Heirs)

The four sons recognized as Genghis's official heirs were all by Börte:

Jochi (c. 1182–1227) — eldest son; paternity disputed (Börte had been briefly captured by the Merkits when he was conceived); died months before his father; ancestor of the Golden Horde khans.

Chagatai (c. 1183–1242) — second son; ruler of the Chagatai Khanate (Central Asia).

Ögedei (1186–1241) — third son; Genghis's chosen successor as Great Khan (reigned 1229–1241).

Tolui (c. 1191–1232) — youngest son; father of Möngke Khan, Kublai Khan (founder of the Yuan dynasty), and Hülegü (founder of the Ilkhanate).

The Borjigin Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: Borjigin Mongols; Kiyad tribe.

Father: Yesügei Baghatur — Kiyad chieftain; poisoned by Tatars when Temüjin was ~9.

Mother: Hö'elün — formerly abducted by Yesügei from her first husband.

Brothers: Behter (killed by Temüjin); Belgutei; Qasar; Hachiun; Temüge.

Sister: Temülen.

Principal Wife: Börte Üjin (c. 1161 – c. 1230) — bore all four designated heirs.

Designated Heirs: Jochi (Golden Horde line); Chagatai (Chagatai Khanate); Ögedei (Great Khan after Genghis); Tolui (father of Möngke Khan, Kublai Khan, and Hülegü).

Modern descendants: ~16 million men today (~0.5% of world's male population) carry the Y-chromosome lineage linked to Genghis Khan (per 2003 study).

Genghis Khan:

  • Born c. 1162, Khentii Mountains
  • Childhood poverty after father's poisoning
  • Unified the Mongol tribes by 1206
  • Proclaimed Great Khan (Chinggis Khan) at the kurultai of 1206
  • Conquests:
    • Western Xia (1209–1210, 1226–1227)
    • Jin dynasty (1211–1234, completed by Ögedei)
    • Khwarazmian Empire (1219–1221) — destroyed Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench
    • Caucasus campaign (1220–1223)
  • Died August 1227 during the Western Xia campaign
  • Burial site is a deliberately concealed secret; never found
  • Mongol Empire by 1260 stretched from Korea to Hungary; the largest contiguous land empire in history

What the Borjigin Family Story Teaches Us

A chieftain father poisoned when Temüjin was 9. A mother who raised five children alone in extreme poverty after being abandoned by the tribe. A killed half-brother. Four loyal full brothers. A first wife who bore all four official heirs. Many other wives. A dynasty that ruled most of Eurasia for two centuries — and whose Y-chromosome line is now estimated to be in 16 million living men.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Genghis Khan story carries the same lesson. Some family lines spread further than any record can track. The Borjigin Y-line is the most-traced patrilineal expansion in history. Write down the family lines that spread the widest. Sometimes the family is much bigger than the records that name it.

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📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available historical sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.