The Zhangdu Surname#

Surname: Zhangdu, pronounced as zhǎng dū

Regions where the Zhangdu Surname is Found#

Origin of the Zhangdu Surname#

The Zhangdu surname originates from an official position during the Western Zhou Dynasty. It was derived from the name of a local official named Zhangdu, and such surnames are often based on the titles of officials. According to the historical record in “Tongzhi·Shizú Lüè” (General Records on Surnames and Clans), in ancient times there was a compound surname called Zhangdu. Later, it split into the surnames Zhang and Du. This compound surname no longer exists today. The character “Zhang” is an archaic form of the character meaning “to control or manage.” Therefore, “Zhangdu” can be interpreted as “to supervise or manage.” The official position originally referred to as “Dangzheng,” which was established during the Western Zhou Dynasty and was responsible for administrative affairs within a designated area. Over time, the title evolved to “Dangdu,” and then to “Zhangdu,” although the functions remained the same.

Migration and Distribution

Although the Zhangdu surname was once a compound one, during the Qin and Han dynasties, it was simplified and split into the single surnames Zhang, Du, and Dang. Today, there are no people with the compound surname Zhangdu.