The Tong Clan#

Clan Name: Tong, pronounced as “tōng”

Distribution of the Tong Clan#

According to the book “Junwang Baijiaxing” (Records of the Hundred Families from Various Regions), the Tong clan originates from the Hexi Commandery. The Hexi Commandery was established during the Warring States period by the state of Wei and corresponds to the area between present-day Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces.

Origins of the Tong Clan#

There are two theories regarding the origin of the Tong surname:

1. The Tong surname originated from the Che surname, as people changed their surname to avoid naming taboos associated with the emperor. During the Qin and Han dynasties, there was a scholar from Shangcai (southwest of present-day Henan Province) who was highly learned and insightful. After gaining the emperor’s attention, he was appointed as prime minister and granted the title of Che Hou (Marquis of Che). His descendants continued to use the Che surname. However, during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han dynasty, they changed their surname to Tong to avoid the emperor’s name, Liu Che.

2. Another theory suggests that the surname originated from the place of their fiefdom. During the Spring and Autumn period, a high-ranking official from the state of Ba was granted a fiefdom in Tongchuan (present-day Dachuan, Sichuan Province). His descendants adopted the name of their fiefdom as their surname.

Ancestors of the Tong Clan

The ancestors of the Tong clan can be traced back to the Chie Hou (Marquis of Che). The clan's origin can be attributed to either being named after the place where they were granted their fiefdom or to avoiding an emperor’s name.

Historical Residence

The prominent family of the Tong clan resided in the Hexi Commandery (around present-day Lishi County, Shanxi Province).

Migration and Distribution

The Tong surname does not rank among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan.

Official Titles and Clan Traditions

During the Qin and Han dynasties, there was an official title called “Che Hou,” which was of high rank. A scholar from Shangcai was granted this title, and his descendants honored it by using it as their surname. Later, during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han dynasty, they changed it to Tong to avoid the emperor’s name. Another theory mentions that a high-ranking official from the state of Wei was granted a fiefdom in Tongzhou, and his descendants adopted the name of their fiefdom as their surname.

Clan Hall Names

• Zhizhong Hall: Ba Su from the Later Han dynasty was known for his loyalty to the imperial court. He opposed the corrupt influence of eunuchs and plotted to eliminate them with Dou Wu and Chen Fan. When their plot was exposed, he turned himself in to the authorities. The local officials admired his loyalty and offered to flee with him, but he refused, saying, “A minister should not conceal conspiracies from the court or evade justice if guilty.” He was subsequently executed for his actions and is revered as a loyal and righteous official.

Common Couplets for the Tong Clan’s Ancestral Hall

• Four-character couplets:
  • “Originating from Hexi; the surname began in Tongchuan.” (Alluding to the clan’s roots in the Hexi Commandery and Tongchuan.)
  • “The clan was established in the state of Ba during the Spring and Autumn period.” (Referring to the clan’s origins in the state of Ba.)
• Five-character couplets:
  • “Countless trees on the hillside; many have become ‘ dragons’ (a metaphor for great achievements).” (Reflecting the clan’s prosperity.)
  • “The monk from Jiangyin achieved enlightenment; the judge from Shuozhou was highly respected.” (Referencing notable figures from the clan’s history.)

The Tong clan has a history of over 2000 years, with its prominent members residing in the Hexi Commandery (around present-day Lishi County, Shanxi Province). The clan venerates the Chie Hou as their ancestor.