Loufan is named for the Loufan Kingdom (婁煩 Lóufán < Eastern Han Chinese *l(i)o-buɑn < Old Chinese *ro-ban 620 BCE ?, ca.

; 307 BCE)[2] in ancient China during the Warring States period, which was conquered by the state of Zhao in two campaigns in 306 and 304 BC after the adoption of nomad (Hu) weapons and customs by the King Wuling of Zhao.

[3] During Emperor Gaozu of Han's time, Loufan were associated with the Xiongnu.

[4] Loufan County formed part of Yanmen Commandery under the Qin and Han.

Its former seat is now located in Ningwu County[5] in Xinzhou Prefecture.