Tong Surname

Surname Overview

Tong is a relatively rare surname in current use, with a broad distribution, including Beijing, Wuqing in Tianjin, Jingxian and Huolu in Hebei, Changzhi and Linfen in Shanxi, and Chengdu in Sichuan.

Reference: 桐姓_桐姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Multiple Origins

Recorded origins of the Tong surname include descendants of Tong Jun in the time of the Yellow Emperor, descendants of collateral branches of the Yin king, and descendants of the Spring and Autumn state of Tong who adopted the state name after its destruction by Chu. It is also recorded as an indigenous Taiwanese surname, with Tongli and Tongmen reduced to Tong.

Reference: 桐姓_桐姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Records

The Tong surname is included in the Clan Records sections of the Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi. The Xu Tongzhi, citing the Gujin xingshi shu bianz Zheng, records it as descending from the Spring and Autumn state of Tong.

Reference: 桐姓_桐姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Distribution and Concentration

The Tong surname is found in Beijing; Chengdu and Dongchuan in Sichuan; Fugou and Huaiyang in Henan; Pinglu and Daixian in Shanxi; Longhua in Hebei; Pingtung in Taiwan; Xinyi in Jiangsu; and Gansu. Jiangsu accounts for about 86% of the national Tong-surname population.

Reference: 桐姓_桐姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Tong Jun was a legendary ancient pharmacologist and minister of the Yellow Emperor, known for his expertise in materia medica. Tong Fu was a native of Hanchuan in the Song period and a Jinshi degree holder during the Jiading era.

Reference: 桐姓_桐姓的来源和历史_百家姓