终姓
The Zhong surname, an ancient Chinese lineage, traces back to the Yellow Emperor with origins in Jinan and Nanyang. It derives from descendants like Lu Zhong or Xia official Zhong Gu, and is historically celebrated through figures like Zhong Jun and Zhong ShenSi.
The Zhong Family Name
Zhong is the family name, pronounced as “zhōng”.
Distribution of the Zhong Family Name
- Nanyang Commandery: Established during the Warring States period. Its administrative center was in Wan County, located in present-day Nanyang City, Henan Province.
- Jinan Commandery: In the early Western Han dynasty, Linzi Commandery was renamed Qi Commandery, and later Jinan Commandery was set up within its territory. It is located in the vicinity of present-day Linzi City, Shandong Province.
Origin of the Zhong Family Name
The Zhong family name has two origins:
- It originates from the Gaoyang clan, descendants of Zhuanxu, a grandson of the Yellow Emperor. They adopted their ancestor’s surname as their own. According to the “Yuanhe Xing Zuan,” Zhuanxu had a son named Laotong, who in turn had a son named Wuhui, and Wuhui’s son was Lu Zhong. Lu Zhong’s descendants adopted their grandfather’s surname, which became the Zhong family name. This branch of the Zhong family is known to have originated in Jinan and Nanyang.
- It also originates from the Ren clan, where members adopted their ancestor’s surname. During the Xia dynasty, there was a official named Zhong Gu. His descendants adopted the character “Zhong” from his name as their surname.
Profound Ancestor of the Zhong Family Name
Zhong Gu is considered the progenitor of the Zhong family. The history of the Zhong family is very ancient, tracing back to Lu Zhong, a descendant of the Yellow Emperor. According to the “Yuanhe Xing Zuan,” the Zhong family name is derived from Lu Zhong, who adopted his father’s surname. This branch of the family is associated with Jinan and Nanyang. Another theory suggests that the family name originated from Zhong Gu, an official during the Xia dynasty, whose descendants adopted the character “Zhong” from his name.
Migration and Distribution
The Zhong family name does not rank among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. As a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, the Zhong family is part of the traditional Chinese lineage. In ancient times, there was a leader named Lu Zhong, whose descendants have passed down the surname “Zhong” for generations. Lu Zhong was a descendant of the Yellow Emperor. The Zhong family is also associated with the dragon, as they are considered descendants of the dragon lineage.
Hall Names
- Ben Shang Hall: During the reign of the tyrant Xia Jie, Zhong Gu, dissatisfied with his rule, abandoned Xia Jie and went to seek refuge with King Tang of Shang.
Common Couplets for Zhong Family Ancestral Temples
- Four-character couplet for Zhong Family Ancestral Temples:
- “Return the letter and the jade; At a young age, I volunteered for duty.” This couplet refers to Zhong ShenSi of the Song dynasty, who had great ambitions but faced rejection from the court. He wrote to his friend Dong Chu, saying, “I thought we would surely conquer Liaocheng, but instead, I returned with the Zhao jade unutilized.”
- “His reputation spread far and wide; His virtue was celebrated throughout the land.” This couplet refers to Zhong Jun of the Western Han dynasty, who at the age of 18 served as an advisor and volunteered to capture the king of Nanyue.
These couplets highlight the historical significance and aspirations of the Zhong family.