Xiang Family#

Surname: Xiang, pronounced as “xiàng”

Regions Where the Xiang Surname Is Found#

Junwang (Historical Region): Henanjun: Established by Emperor Gao of Han, located in the area around present-day Luoyang City, Henan Province.

Origins of the Xiang Surname#

There are three theories about the origin of the Xiang surname:

1. It originates from the Jiang surname, descending from the divine figure Shennong. One of Shennong’s descendants, named Xiang, was granted the status of a vassal lord, and his descendants adopted the surname Xiang.
2. It originates from the Qi surname, descending from Emperor Yao. During the Zhou Dynasty, there was a state called Xiang, located in the southern part of present-day Ju County, Shandong Province. After the state was conquered, the descendants of the former ruler adopted the name of the state as their surname.
3. It originates from the Zi surname, descending from King Tang. During the Spring and Autumn period, a ruler of the Song state named Song Huan had a son named Zi (pronounced “bì”), with the courtesy name Xiangfu. This lineage also adopted the surname Xiang.

Hall Names (Tanghao):

• Zhonghe Hall (Hall of Harmony): Xiang Chang of the Later Han Dynasty lived in seclusion and avoided official positions. He valued harmony and was well-versed in the teachings of Laozi and the I Ching. Despite being so poor that he often went without food or warmth, he would keep only enough for his own needs and return the rest to those who gave him gifts. He often said, “It is better to be poor than rich, and better to be humble than noble.” After his children got married, he traveled to the famous mountains of China and his whereabouts are unknown.
• Shujun Hall (Hall of Virtuous Balance): Xiang Chong, a general of the Shu Han Dynasty, served as the Central Commander. Zhuge Liang praised him to the emperor, saying, “He possesses virtuous and balanced character and has a deep understanding of military affairs.”