The surname Jeon (also spelled Chon or Jo) is a Korean family name that originated from one of the Five Great Clans of Korea, known as the Paekju Chon clan. This clan was one of the most powerful clans during the Goguryeo and Baekje periods (3rd century BC - 7th century AD). The Jeon clan played significant roles in Korean history, producing numerous politicians, scholars, and military leaders throughout the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Like many Asian surnames, the Korean family names do not necessarily originate from a specific geographical location but rather are often associated with notable ancestors or historical figures. The Jeon clan's origins can be traced back to the legendary founder of the Paekju Kingdom, King Onjo, who was said to have descended from heaven on a white tiger in the 1st century BC. The Jeon family name is one of the most common surnames among Koreans today.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Jeon
The surname Jeon (also spelled Choi, Jo, or Choe) is of Korean origin and belongs to one of the Five Great Clans (오세양씨) in Korean history. It is among the most common surnames in South Korea, making up approximately 12% of the population. The name Jeon, like many other Korean surnames, is believed to have been derived from the occupation or region where the ancestor lived during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC - 668 AD). The original meaning of Jeon is not definitively known; however, it is speculated that it could have originated from the word "ch'on" which means "dark" or "deep," referring to a region with dense forests or mountains. Alternatively, some believe it may be related to the occupation of a blacksmith due to similarities with the Korean word for iron, "jeot." Regardless of its exact origin, the Jeon surname has played a significant role in Korean history and culture.
Geographical distribution of the last name Jeon
The surname Jeon (also spelled Chon or Chen) is predominantly found in South Korea, with the majority of its bearers residing in that country. It is one of the most common Korean family names and ranks among the top five. The name originates from the Gyeongsang province, specifically in areas like Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do. Additionally, there are significant Jeon diaspora communities in other parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and North America, primarily in countries with large Korean immigrant populations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. In these regions, the name is often spelled with variations due to differences in transliteration or assimilation processes.
Variants and spellings of the last name Jeon
The surname Jeon, also spelled Chon, Jun, and Joen, is a common Korean family name. It originates from the Chinese character 權 (pronounced as quán in Mandarin) which means power or authority. In Korean, it is written as 전 (Jeon), but can also be romanized as Chon, Jun, or Joen depending on the specific transliteration system used. The McCune-Reischauer system, a common Romanization method for Korean, uses the spelling Jeon, while the Revised Romanization System, which is more widely used today, employs the spelling Chon. Regardless of the spelling variation, all these forms represent the same surname and are used by individuals of Korean descent around the world.
Famous people with the last name Jeon
Jeon Kyun-ho is a renowned South Korean actor known for his roles in films such as "The King" and "Tazza: One-Eyed Jack." Born in 1974, he began his acting career in theatre before transitioning to television dramas and movies. Another notable figure is Jeon Ji-hyun, a South Korean actress also known by her married name Gianna Jun internationally. She gained recognition for her roles in "My Sassy Girl" and "The Man from Nowhere." Born in 1974 as well, she has been active since the late 1990s and is considered one of Korea's Hallyu stars. In the world of sports, Jeon Jung-kook, born in 2000, is a member of the South Korean boy band BTS, known for their global success in the music industry. Lastly, Jeon Moo-song was a prominent North Korean military general who served as the Minister of People's Armed Forces from 1983 to 1992.
Genealogical research on the last name Jeon
The Jeon (or Choeon) family is one of Korea's Five Great Clans, tracing their roots back to the Three Han States period (57 BC - 668 AD). Originally known as Choe, they were descendants of King Dan-gun, the founder of Gojoseon, an ancient Korean kingdom. The name Jeon was adopted during the Goryeo Dynasty in the late 10th century. The Jeons played significant roles in Korean history, with notable figures like Jeon Taejo, the founding king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and Jeong Dojeon, a key figure in the transmission of Confucianism to Korea during the Goryeo period. The Jeon family's influence extended to various areas such as politics, scholarship, and military service throughout Korean history.
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