章姓
The Zhang surname, originating from states like Zhang and Qi during the Spring and Autumn period, spread through commanderies like Wudu and Jingzhao. Its history includes figures such as General Zhang Han of the Qin dynasty, with roots in lineages like Jiang and Ren, evolving through migrations and political changes across dynasties.
The Zhang Clan
Surname: Zhang, pronounced as zhāng
Distribution of the Zhang Clan
Wudu Commandery: In 664 BC, the state of Qi launched an attack on the state of Zhang. In July, the ruler, Duke Hu Xiang, was defeated, and the city fell, leading to the destruction of the state of Zhang. Due to the loss of his hometown, he was forced to flee and settle in Liangzhou. Both Zhang and Qi were descendants of the Duke Tai of Qi. The descendants of Zhang originally used the name of their former state as their surname. Now that the state no longer existed, to remember the tragedy of their kin being destroyed and to honor the humiliation of their nation's downfall, they removed the prefix indicating their hometown and adopted the surname Zhang.
Liangzhou: (Located in present-day central Shaanxi Province) Wudu Commandery was established during the Spring and Autumn period, and during the Warring States period, it was renamed Liangzhou Commandery by the state of Chu. This region became the first known place of origin for the Zhang clan.
Jingzhao Commandery: During the 18th generation of the clan, Zhang Han, a prominent general of the Qin dynasty, served as the Minister of the Imperial Household and was a key figure in maintaining the stability of the Qin empire. However, when Emperor Qin Er Shi (Hu Hai) listened to the slander of the treacherous Zhao Gao, Zhang Han had no choice but to defect to Chu and join Xiang Yu. After Xiang Yu overthrew the Qin dynasty, he divided the territory into three parts and appointed three kings, including King Yong, King Sai, and King Zhai. Zhang Han was made King Yong and ruled west of Xianyang, with his capital in Feiqiu (now in southeast Shaanxi Province). This area became the second known place of origin for the Zhang clan.
Yuzhang Commandery: The administrative center of Yuzhang Commandery was located in present-day Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. It was established during the Spring and Autumn period and later renamed during the Qin dynasty.
Hejian Commandery: During the Northern Wei dynasty, the administrative center of Hejian Commandery was in Lecheng (now in Xian County, Hebei Province). The Zhang clan has a long history in this region, dating back to the Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties.
Origins of the Zhang Surname
The Zhang surname has four possible origins:
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From the Jiang surname: Descendants of the legendary Emperor Shennong, the Zhang surname originated from the name of the state. The founder of the Zhang clan was Jiang Ziya, who was granted the state of Qi by the Duke Tai of Qi. After the destruction of Zhang by Qi, its descendants adopted the state name as their surname, removing the prefix to form the modern Zhang surname.
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From the Ren surname: One theory suggests that the Zhang surname originated from one of the twelve basic surnames granted by the Yellow Emperor.
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From other surnames: Some members of the Zhang clan changed their surnames for various reasons, such as to avoid persecution or due to adoption.
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From different regions: The Zhang clan spread to various places during different dynasties, forming several prominent regions of origin, such as Hejian, Yuzhang, and Yingzhou.
Famous Figures with the Zhang Surname
- Zhang Han: A famous general of the Qin dynasty who later defected to Chu.
- Zhang Ping: A general during the Tang dynasty who served under Xiang Yu.
- Zhang Zhao: A person from the Qing dynasty who served as a minister and showed great filial piety.
- Zhang Qu: A general from the Han dynasty who served under the Han dynasty.
The Zhang clan has a rich history and has produced many notable individuals throughout Chinese history.