Gong Genealogy#

Genealogy: Gong, pronounced as “gòng”.

Distribution of the Gong Genealogy#

Guangping Commandery: Established in the first year of the Zhongyuan era under Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty (149 BCE) by dividing Handan Commandery, with its administrative center in Guangping (located southeast of present-day Jize, Hebei Province). This region corresponds to parts of present-day Ren County, Nanhe, Jize, Quzhou, Yongnian in Hebei Province, as well as the northwest of Pingxiang and the northeast of Feixiang.

Origin of the Gong Genealogy#

The name “Gong” has a pure lineage. One origin suggests it originated from the Duanmu family, descendants of Zigong, a disciple of Confucius. Zigong’s full name was Duanmu Ci, with the courtesy name Zigong. He was from the state of Wei during the Spring and Autumn period and served as the prime minister of Lu, known for his eloquence and intelligence. His family prospered, and some of his descendants adopted their ancestor’s courtesy name “Gong” as their surname, passing it down through generations, thus forming the Gong lineage. Another branch of the family took their father’s name as their surname, Duanmu.

Founder of the Gong Genealogy: Zigong. According to the “Yuanhe Xingzuan,” the ancestor of the Gong family was Duanmu Ci, a disciple of Confucius. His descendants adopted his courtesy name “Zigong” as their surname. This is also mentioned in the book “Xingzi Jiju.” The compound surname Duanmu also originates from Duanmu Ci. Although people with the surnames Gong and Duanmu have different surnames, they share the same ancestral roots and are all descendants of Zigong. Zigong was from the state of Wei, which was located in the areas of present-day Henan and Hebei. The Gong family originated in Guangping Commandery (around present-day Jize, Hebei Province), and therefore, Zigong is considered the founder of the Gong lineage.

Migration and Distribution: The Gong surname does not rank among the top hundred most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan.

During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius had a famous disciple named Duanmu Ci, also known as Zigong, who was from Wei. Zigong was skilled in business and served as the prime minister of Lu. Some of his descendants adopted the surname “Gong,” which has been passed down through generations, forming the Gong lineage we know today.

Hall Names:
“Xiuye Hall” (Beautiful Wilderness Hall): This name originates from the time when Gong Zuwén, a descendant of the Gong lineage, served in Moling during the Southern Song Dynasty. After Yue Fei’s victory at Xiangcheng, he was framed by the corrupt officials under the “Harmony” faction, including Qin Hui, and was imprisoned in the Lin’an court. Gong Zuwén offered his life to secure Zigong and his son’s release and traveled overnight to rescue them. However, by the time he reached Lin’an, Zigong and his son had already been killed. To protect Zigong’s descendants, Gong Zuwén took Zigong’s youngest son, Yue Lin (then twelve years old), and hid him in Moling. Fearing further harm, Gong Zuwén resigned from his position and moved his family to Liuru Village, Yanling Township, Danyang County, Jiangsu Province (now known as Xiuye Hall). Yue Lin adopted the surname Gong and lived a simple life, practicing literature and martial arts with Gong Zuwén’s sons, Gong Tie and Gong Xian. It was not until Emperor Xiaozong of Song ascended the throne in 1163 that Zigong’s wrongful conviction was overturned. In recognition of Gong Zuwén’s loyalty, the emperor bestowed a commendation on him.

Common Couplets for the Gong Genealogy Ancestral Hall:

• Four-character Couplet:
  “Crossed the south to protect the emperor; Told the emperor to resign.” (This couplet refers to Gong Zuwén’s service during the Southern Song Dynasty and Yue Fei’s persecution.)
• Five-character Couplet:
  “Virtuous disciple of Confucius; A family with a long history in commerce.” (This couplet acknowledges Zigong’s excellence both in scholarship and business.)
• Six-character Couplet:
  “Accompanied the emperor on the southern journey; Resigned to advocate for justice.” (This couplet highlights Gong Zuwén’s loyalty and righteousness.)
• Seven-character Couplet:
  “Ancient rivers flow through the land; Famous descendants through the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties.” (This couplet celebrates the longevity of the Gong lineage.)

The Gong family’s ancestral hall uses these couplets to honor their history and values.