The Zhong Family#

Surname: Zhong, pronounced as “zhòng”

Distribution of the Zhong Family#

According to “Junwang Baijia Xing” (Records of Surnames and Their Origins), the Zhong family originated from Zhongshan Jun (Zhongshan County). Additionally, “Xingsi Kaolue” (A Brief Study of Surnames) mentions that the Zhong family also has its roots in Le'an and Zhongshan. Le'an Jun was renamed from Qiancheng Jun during the Eastern Han Dynasty and corresponds to the areas of Gaoqing, Boxing, and Guangrao in present-day Shandong Province. Zhongshan Jun was established by Emperor Gao of Han and is located in present-day Zhengding County, Hebei Province.

Origins of the Zhong Family#

There are four theories regarding the origin of the Zhong surname:

1. The Zhong family descended from the ancient Gaoxin clan, a descendant of the Yellow Emperor. One of Gaoxin’s great-grandsons, known as Gaoxin Shi, had eight talented sons, known as the “Eight Origins” (Bayuan). Among them were Zhong Kan and Zhong Xiong. Their descendants adopted the character “Zhong” from their ancestor’s name as their surname.
2. The Zhong family came from the Ren clan, descending from Zhong Hui, the prime minister who assisted King Tang in establishing the Shang Dynasty. Zhong Hui was a descendant of Xi Zhong and played a significant role in governing the state. One of Zhong Hui’s descendants took his ancestral name as his surname.
3. The Zhong family originated from the Ji clan. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Prince Qing of Lu adopted the name “Zhong” as his surname.
4. The Zhong family descended from the Zi clan, specifically from a descendant of Duke Zhuang of Song during the Spring and Autumn Period.

Ancestral Founder of the Zhong Family: Zhong Kan

According to “Yuanhe Xingzuan,” the Zhong family trace their lineage back to Zhong Kan, one of the “Eight Origins” from the Gaoxin clan and a descendant of Zhong Xiong. Another branch of the Zhong family traced their lineage back to Prince Qing of Lu, whose descendants also adopted the name “Zhong” as their surname.

Spread and Expansion of the Zhong Family

The Zhong surname is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor was a renowned tribal leader, and his tribe worshipped the dragon totem. One of his great-grandsons, Di Ku, had eight talented sons, known as the “Eight Origins.” Two of them, Zhong Kan and Zhong Xiong, adopted the character “Zhong” as their surname. Additionally, some descendants of Xi Zhong, a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, also adopted this surname. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Prince Qing of Lu’s descendants and Zhong Hui’s descendants also adopted the name “Zhong.”

Common Hall Names for the Zhong Family: “Sanshan Tang” (Hall of Three Virtues), among others.

Couplets for the Zhong Family Ancestral Hall:

• “The Eight Origins left a lasting reputation; the two Zhongs laid the foundation for the surname.” (Alluding to Zhong Kan and Zhong Xiong.)
• “The spirit of thunder conceived; the divine beings descended from Mount Song.” (Referring to Zhong You, a disciple of Confucius.)
• “A noble disciple of Confucius; a distinguished minister of the Shang Dynasty.” (Referencing Zhong Hui.)
• “The land is endowed with talent; a pillar that stops the chaos.” (Referencing Zhong You and Zhong Hui.)

The Zhong family has a long and illustrious history, with its origins dating back to before the Qin and Han dynasties. The ancestral founder, Zhong Kan, was a highly respected figure among the ancient sages. The Zhong family has many branches, each with its own historical context.