Zhong Surname

Surname Overview

Zhong is a relatively rare surname, mainly distributed in Wuyishan, Nanchang, Wan'an, Ganzhou, Jianli, and Taiwan.

Reference: 衷氏源流考（“衷”姓是我国比较罕见的姓氏，原本为“哀”）_江西_福建_鲁哀公

Origins

Two origins are given for the Zhong surname: descendants of Duke Ai of Lu and descendants of the Marquis of E at the end of the Shang period. Both accounts involve Danyang, and the origin remains unsettled.

Reference: 衷氏源流考（“衷”姓是我国比较罕见的姓氏，原本为“哀”）_江西_福建_鲁哀公

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The Xu Tongzhi: Shizu Lue records the Zhong surname, including accounts of Ai Jing's three sons receiving the surname Zhong after settling in Ningdu, Zhong Yu changing from Ai during the Southern Tang, and Ai Shiyong changing his surname in the Ming period.

Reference: 衷姓_衷姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Migration

The Chong'an branch traces its migration to Yongchang, who reportedly moved from Yuanzhou to Chong'an in Fujian during the twelfth year of the Daye era of the Sui dynasty to escape unrest. The Jiangxi branch traces itself to Tingfan, whose descendants, including Jingyuan's line, spread through Jiangxi and elsewhere.

Reference: 衷氏源流考（“衷”姓是我国比较罕见的姓氏，原本为“哀”）_江西_福建_鲁哀公

Notable People

Historical Figures

Zhong Zhongru was a Ming-dynasty native of Chong'an, Fujian, who served as magistrate of Pingyuan County in Guangdong and compiled the eighteen-volume Wuyishan Gazetteer. Zhong Zhenji was a Ming-dynasty native of Xinjian, Nanchang, and rose to Minister of War in Nanjing.

Reference: 衷姓_衷姓的来源和历史_百家姓