Hong Surname

Surname Overview

The surname Hong is pronounced hóng and is currently rare; it ranked 352nd in the Song edition of the Hundred Family Surnames.

Reference: 弘姓_弘姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Early Origins

The origin accounts mainly involve the Jiang, Mi, and Gui surnames. They include descendants of Hong Yan, a minister of Wei in the Spring and Autumn period; descendants of Han Bi, a Chu scholar in the early Warring States period; and descendants of Gongsun Hong of the Han dynasty, adopting an ancestor's name as their surname.

Reference: 弘姓_弘姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Records and Name Changes

Fengsu Tong records that the surname descended from Hong Yan, a minister of Wei. Related surname records also mention claims that it was changed to Hong during Tang and Song taboo-avoidance periods, with another account stating that it was changed to Li.

Reference: 弘姓_弘姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Present Distribution

Recorded present-day distributions include Datong, Shuozhou, and Xinzhou in Shanxi, as well as Yima in Henan; Taipei in Taiwan and Beijing are also recorded.

Reference: 弘姓_弘姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Hong Yan was a minister of Wei during the Spring and Autumn period. Hong Gong was a native of Pei in the Han dynasty and served as a Secretariat Director under the Western Han emperors Xuan and Wen. Hong Zi was the brother-in-law of Sun Quan of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period.

Reference: 弘姓_弘姓的来源和历史_百家姓