The Feng Clan#

Surname: Feng (pronounced: fēng)

Distribution of the Feng Clan#

Jingzhao Commandery: During the Han Dynasty, Jingzhao Commandery was divided into three administrative regions: Jingzhao Yin, Zuo Fengyi, and You Fufeng. In the Wei Dynasty, Jingzhao Yin Commandery was reorganized, and the title “Yin” was changed to “Taishou” (governor). In the Tang Dynasty, Yongzhou was renamed Jingzhao Prefecture, and a Jingzhao Yin was appointed. The term “Jingzhao” referred to the capital city and its surrounding areas. During the Jin and Yuan Dynasties, Jingzhao Prefecture was established in Shaanxi; however, this “Jingzhao” had no connection with the location of the capital. In the Republic of China, Shuntian Prefecture was renamed Jingzhao Local Government, and the governor was called Jingzhao Yin, which was in line with the meaning of “Jingzhao” from prior dynasties. This system was abolished when the Nationalist Government was established. The Feng clan became a prominent family in Jingzhao Commandery and was known as the “Jingzhao Wang” (a prestigious family from Jingzhao).

Origin of the Feng Clan#

The Feng surname originates from the Ji surname, with the family name being derived from the name of a state. According to the “Tongzhi • Shizhu Lue • Yiguo Weishi,” the 17th son of King Wen of Zhou was granted the fief of Feng and was titled Feng Hou (Duke of Feng). His descendants adopted the name of the state as their surname.

Progenitor of the Feng Clan

The Feng clan traces its origins to Zi Yu, a descendant of King Wen of Zhou from over 3,000 years ago. According to the “Yuanhe Xingzuan,” after King Wu of Zhou established the Zhou Dynasty, he granted Zi Yu the fief of Feng, where he could enjoy the local resources. Feng Yi was located in what is now Huxian County, Shaanxi Province, an area known for its fertile land and abundant mulberry leaves. Zi Yu was later titled Feng Hou, and his descendants spread throughout various regions. However, since Feng Hou was known for his excessive drinking habits, the Zhou court decided that he was unsuitable to govern Feng Yi. During the reign of King Cheng of Zhou, this decision was reversed, and Feng Hou’s descendants were instructed to use the surname Feng wherever they went. Therefore, Zi Yu is considered the progenitor of the Feng clan.

Branches of the Feng Clan

• Feng Long: During the Western Jin Dynasty, Feng Long was granted the title of Marquis of Xincheng and settled in Luoyang. In the Tang Dynasty, Feng Long’s 14th-generation descendant, Feng Hui, served as an official in Jizhou, Jiangxi, and established his family there. The lineage continued to Feng Xun, who then moved from Huangbu, Fengcheng County, to Chexi, Qingjiang County, Linjiang Prefecture. Later, Feng Cheng... (The text seems to be incomplete here.)
• Other Branches: Other branches of the Feng clan also spread across different regions, including Pingyi Xianzhong, Changshou, Baifengdong, and Changsha County.

Migration and Distribution

The Feng clan has not made it into the top 100 most common surnames in either mainland China or Taiwan. Its origins can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty. According to historical records, the 17th son of King Wen of Zhou was granted the fief of Feng and became Feng Hou. His descendants have used the state name “Feng” as their surname for generations. Thus, the Feng surname originates from the royal family of the Zhou Dynasty and is derived from the Ji surname.

Notable Figures with the Feng Surname

• Feng Qing: A native of Yinxian County (now Zhejiang Province) during the Ming Dynasty, Feng Qing was a successful candidate in the imperial examinations and served as an official. During the Jingtai period, he openly opposed the decision by Emperor Daizong to depose the crown prince Zhu Jianshen and establish his own son, Zhu Jianji, as the new crown prince. His outspokenness earned him respect.
• Feng Yinchu: A figure from the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, Feng Yinchu was well-versed and talented but chose to live in seclusion rather than serve in the Yuan government. During the Hongwu period, he served as an educational official before retiring to farm and living to the age of 105.