The Hong Family Name#

Family Name: Hong, Pronounced: Hóng

Distribution of the Hong Family Name#

Taiyuan County: The family name was first established in the fourth year of King Zhuangxiang of Qin (246 BCE) in the area around present-day Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province.

Origin of the Hong Family Name#

The origin of the Hong family name is pure and can be traced back to one of the following stories: It originates from the Ji surname, with the family name being derived from the name of an ancestor. During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a nobleman from the state of Wei named Hong Yan, who was highly regarded by the ruler. His descendants adopted the character “Hong” from his name as their family name. The Hong family was once very prosperous, but during the Tang Dynasty, when Li Hong from the Tang royal family was made the crown prince, it became taboo to use the character “Hong” in names. As a result, most members of the Hong family changed their name to Li, while some changed it to Hong. It was only after several generations that the Hong surname was restored, with some continuing to use the altered names Li or Hong. Therefore, the Hong surname has become relatively rare in history.

Founder of the Family Name

Hong Yan is considered the founder of the Hong family. According to “Fengsu Tong,” after Hong Yan, there was an official named Hong Gong during the Han Dynasty. Another account from “Lüshi Chunqiu: Zhonglian” mentions that when the Di people attacked Wei and pursued Duke Yi to Mengze, they ate his flesh, except for his liver. When Hong Yan arrived, he volunteered to take his place and died after consuming the liver. Moved by his loyalty, Duke Huan of Qi re-established the state of Wei at Chuchiu. This story exemplifies the ultimate expression of loyalty and courage. The Hong surname became less common after entering the Tang Dynasty. The prominent Hong family lived in Taiyuan County (present-day Taiyuan County, Shanxi Province).

Migration and Distribution

The Hong surname has not made it into the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. It originated from Hong Yan, a nobleman of the state of Wei during the Spring and Autumn period, who served as a loyal minister to Duke Yi of Wei. During the Tang Dynasty, some members of the Hong family changed their name to Li to avoid using the taboo character “Hong.” However, the Hong surname was not completely eliminated and was later revived after several generations. Some members continued to use the names Li or Hong. Today, the Hong surname is considered a rare one in Chinese history.

Hall Names Associated with the Hong Family

• Na Gan Tang (Hall of the Liver): During the Spring and Autumn period, when the Di people attacked Wei and killed Duke Yi, the minister Hong Yan, upon hearing the news, returned to his country, found Duke Yi’s body eaten by the Di people, and only the liver remaining. He respectfully reported the situation to the authorities, then cut open his own abdomen and placed Duke Yi’s liver inside, saying, “I will become Duke Yi’s body,” and died.

Common Couplets for Hong Family Ancestral Halls

• Four-character Couplet: The family lineage begins with Hong Yan; its prestige flourished in Taiyuan. (Written by an anonymous author, referring to the origins and historical significance of the Hong family name.)
• Two-character Couplet: Powerful officials followed the laws; righteous men sacrificed themselves. (Written by an anonymous author, referring to Hong Gong of the Western Han Dynasty and Hong Yan of the Spring and Autumn period.)
• Seven-character Couplet: One, the layman Hong Ru was renowned for his artistic skills; two, the Zen master Hong Ren was skilled in Buddhism. (Written by an anonymous author, referring to Hong Ru and Hong Ren from different dynasties.)
• Seven-character Couplet: His artistic achievements spread far and wide; he was honored among the great scholars. (Written by an anonymous author, referring to Hong Ren and other notable figures from the Qing Dynasty.)

The Hong family name has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with its origins dating back to the Spring and Autumn period and its influence spreading throughout China and even overseas.