Cang Surname

Surname Overview

Cang is a currently uncommon surname found among the Han Chinese; when pronounced cáng, it is also found among the Zhuang people.

Reference: 藏姓_藏姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Origin from a Fief

One branch of the Cang surname originated from the Ji surname and took its name from a fief. During the Spring and Autumn period, Qu, son of Duke Xiao of Lu, was enfeoffed at Zangyi, and his descendants adopted “Zang,” the name of the fief, as their surname.

Reference: 藏姓_藏姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Lexicographical Attestations

The Cang surname is included in the Zhongwen Dazidian and first appears in the Xingyuan. The zàng pronunciation is recorded in the Xu Tongzhi: Shizu Lue, and the Xinbian Qianjia Xing also gives this pronunciation.

Reference: 藏姓_藏姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commandery Origin

The Cang surname is associated with Donghai Commandery, established during the Han dynasty and recorded as being in Qiuzhou, Jiangsu Province.

Reference: 藏姓_藏姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Geographic Distribution

The Cang surname is distributed across a broad area, with especially large numbers in Jiangsu and Henan; together, the two provinces account for about 44% of the Han Chinese Cang-surname population.

Reference: 藏姓_藏姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Zang Ningzhi served as Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. In the Five Dynasties period, Zang Zhen served as military commissioner of Yizhou under Northern Han.

Reference: 藏姓_藏姓的来源和历史_百家姓