Rong Family Name#

Rong is the family name, pronounced as róng.

Distribution of the Rong Family Name#

According to the records in "Junwang Baijiaxing," the Rong family originated from the Dunhuang Commandery. Dunhuang Commandery was established during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, when it was separated from the Jiuquan Commandery. It is located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor in today's Gansu Province.

Origins of the Rong Family Name#

There are five theories regarding the origin of the Rong family name:

1. Derived from the Yu surname: The Rong family name originated from one of Shun's descendants, who adopted his ancestral name as their own. Shun had eight intelligent and wise sons, known as the "Eight Kais," among whom was Zhongrong. His descendants adopted "Rong" as their surname.
2. From an official position: During the Zhou Dynasty, an official in charge of rituals and music was named Rong, and his descendants took this official title as their surname.
3. From an ancient state named Rong: There was an ancient state named Rong, and its descendants adopted the name of the state as their surname.
4. From a historian of the Yellow Emperor: According to "Tongzhi·Shizú Lüe," there was a historian named Rongcheng during the Yellow Emperor's time. He was a descendant of Taiyue and is said to have created the first calendar in Chinese history. His descendants took "Rong" as their surname.
5. From the descendants of the Nangong family during the Spring and Autumn period: A man named Nangong adopted his father's given name as his surname. His grandson then took his grandfather's given name as his surname, which became the Rong family name.

Originator of the Family Name

The founder of the Rong family is Zhongrong. The Rong family has a very long history, tracing back to either Rongcheng or Zhongrong, one of the "Eight Kais" during the time of Shun. Shun had eight intelligent and virtuous sons, each of whom passed down their own surname. For example, Shangjun was granted the state of Yu by Emperor Yu, and his descendants adopted the name of the state as their surname. Zhongrong, one of Shun's sons, is considered the ancestor of the Rong family.

Migration and Distribution

The Rong family name is not among the top 100 most common family names in mainland China or Taiwan. It is said that the Yellow Emperor had a historian named Rongcheng, who was the creator of the first calendar in Chinese history. Rongcheng was also revered by Taoists for his knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine. The Rong family name was established in memory of him. Another ancestor of the Rong family was Rong Yuan, who served as an official during the Ming Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Shun, one of Shun's sons named Zhongrong was a highly valued scholar, and his descendants adopted the name Rong.

Over time, the Rong family spread to the southern region of China, particularly in the Wu area, where they flourished. Therefore, Zhongrong is considered the founder of the Rong family.

Notes on Family Hall Names

The Lüli Hall (Hall of Calendar and Law) is named after Rongcheng, a historian who is said to have created the first calendar and law in Chinese history.

Common Couplets for Rong Family Ancestral Halls

• Four-character Couplets:
  • "The family originated from the state of Rong; its excellence is evident in Dunhuang." (Alluding to the family's origins and historical significance.)
  • "An honest official received support; his filial piety left a lasting legacy." (Referring to Rong Ruoyu from the Ming Dynasty, who was known for his integrity and good governance.)
  • "A famous minister established the calendar; his filial piety was celebrated." (Referring to Rong Cheng, who created the first calendar.)
  • "Virtue was left in the northern mountains; filial piety spread throughout Xinhui." (Referring to Rong Ruo Yu, who served as an educator and died from exhaustion.)

Five-character Couplets:

• "Virtue was left in the northern mountains; filial piety was renowned in Xinhui." (Same as the previous couplet, but with a different focus.)
• "The family's lineage dates back to the ancient state of Rong." (Emphasizing the family's ancient roots.)

The Rong family has a long history and has thrived in the southern regions of China. Their ancestral hall is located in Dunhuang (today's Gansu Province).