Cang Surname

Surname Overview

Cang, written 倉 in traditional Chinese and pronounced cāng, is a current surname with a relatively broad distribution but few bearers.

Reference: 仓姓_仓姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

The Cang surname has several recorded origins: adoption from the personal name Cangjie, descent from officials titled cangren or cangli, and conversion of certain Manchu surnames to the single-character surname Cang.

Reference: 仓姓_仓姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Names

The Cang surname is associated with the Dunhuang and Wuling commanderies. Its hall names include Wuling, Xianyang, and Chuangwen, the last connected with the tradition that Cangjie created writing.

Reference: 仓姓_仓姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Present Distribution

Bearers of the Cang surname are found in Songjiang in Shanghai; Hekou and Jiangchuan in Yunnan; Changle in Shandong; Linfen and Changzhi in Shanxi; and Hancheng in Shaanxi.

Reference: 仓姓_仓姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Cang Ci

Cang Ci was an official of Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. A native of Huainan with the courtesy name Xiaoren, he served as a commandery clerk and magistrate of Chang'an before becoming administrator of Dunhuang, and was known for frugality and protecting the weak against the powerful.

Reference: 仓姓_仓姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

Limits of the Cangjie Lineage Tradition

The identification of Cangjie as an ancestor of the Cang surname belongs to prehistoric legend. Texts predating the Warring States do not mention him; the earliest stated mention is by Xun Qing, while accounts of Cangjie creating writing and serving as the Yellow Emperor's historiographer developed later.

Reference: 仓姓_仓姓的来源和历史_百家姓