Heng Surname

Surname Overview

Heng, pronounced héng, is a relatively rare surname with wide distribution. It is recorded in the Clan Records of the Zheng Tongzhi, Xu Tongzhi, and Qing Tongzhi.

Reference: 衡姓_衡姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Principal Origins

Three principal origins are given: descendants of Yi Yin, who was called A Heng by King Tang; descendants of Prince Heng of Lu through the Ji surname; and members of the Yuan lineage who changed their surname after seeking refuge at Hengshan.

Reference: 衡姓

Other Origin Traditions

Other traditions connect the surname with the Zheng settlement of Yongyong in the Spring and Autumn period, as well as Manchu surname changes granted by the emperor and Mongol sinicization.

Reference: 衡姓_衡姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Records

The Fengsu Tong records three traditions: descendants of Yi Yin taking Heng, descendants of Prince Heng of Lu taking his personal name, and the Yuan lineage changing to Heng. The Xing Shi Kao Lue, citing the Xing Pu, records Yuan Shao's descendants changing their surname after taking refuge at Hengshan.

Reference: 衡姓_衡姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Name

The Heng surname is associated with Yanmen and Runan commanderies, and its hall name is A Heng Hall. Runan was governed from Shangcai and corresponded roughly to south-central Henan and north of the Huai River in Anhui; Yanmen corresponded roughly to the area around present-day Dai County, Shanxi.

Reference: 衡姓

Migration and Distribution

Early Heng clans were active in Henan and Shandong. Between the Han and Tang periods, they expanded toward Shaanxi and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, forming a prominent lineage in southern Henan with Runan as its commandery seat. Heng families are now distributed in many parts of China.

Reference: 衡姓_衡姓的来源和历史_百家姓