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Last Name Jing

What is the origin of the last name Jing?

The surname Jing does not have a definitive single origin as it is a common Chinese surname and can be traced back to various regions and clans within China. However, one of the most notable origins comes from the Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD), where several prominent figures bearing the surname Jing held positions of power. Over time, the surname became popular among the general population due to this historical significance. Another theory suggests that it could be derived from the word "jing" meaning well or spring in Chinese, indicating a place name origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jing

The meaning and origin of the last name Jing

The surname Jing is primarily of Chinese origin and belongs to several Han Chinese ethnics, including the Manchus, Mongols, and Han people. In Mandarin, "Jing" (荆) translates to 'bamboo shoot' or 'prickly' and is one of the many surnames that were created during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). It is considered a 'character surname', where the character forms the basis of the name. The surname Jing is among the 'Eight Great Clans of Manchuria' and is also present among various Mongolian tribes. Notable individuals with this surname include Jing Tsu (a professor at Yale University) and Liang Jing (a Chinese artist).

Geographical distribution of the last name Jing

The surname Jing, while predominantly associated with China due to its Chinese origin, can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly among Chinese diaspora communities. According to genealogy databases and census records, the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Jing is in China, with provinces such as Shandong, Hunan, Sichuan, and Guangdong having significant populations bearing this surname. Outside China, large populations of people with the last name Jing can be found in various countries where Chinese immigrants have settled significantly, such as the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and South Africa. The distribution reflects historical migrations from China and the establishment of Chinese communities worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jing

The surname Jing has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variations include:

1. Ching
2. Cheng (a more common variation in Chinese)
3. Tsing
4. Zhing
5. Sing
6. Jeong (Korean variant)
7. Jyng (Cantonese variant)
8. Xing (Mandarin pinyin)
9. Ch'ing (Wade-Giles transcription)
10. Jin (simplified Chinese, a different surname in its own right)

These variations can be found among individuals of East Asian descent, particularly those with roots in China and Korea. The pronunciation and spelling may vary depending on the individual's ethnic group, language, and geographical region.

Famous people with the last name Jing

The Jing surname is not among the most prominent in global entertainment or politics; however, there are notable individuals bearing this surname who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One such person is Jing Tian, a Chinese actress known for her roles in films like "The Great Wall" and "Detective Chinatown 2". In the realm of technology, Jing Wang is recognized as an engineer at Google. On the sports front, Jing Tianyu is a professional snooker player from China who has competed in various international events. Another notable figure is Jing Zhao, a Chinese-American artist and designer whose work spans various mediums including illustration, fashion, and product design. While not as numerous as some other surnames, the Jing family still boasts a diverse array of accomplished individuals.

Genealogical research on the last name Jing

The surname Jing is a common Chinese family name and originates from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). Historically, it was one of the Three Great Clans of China along with Li and Wu. The character "京" or "Jing" in Chinese characters means "capital" or "city." During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), many people bearing the surname Jing migrated from Henan province, where the capital was situated, to other regions of China. Over time, several branches of the Jing clan developed, including those in Sichuan, Hunan, and Jiangsu provinces. The most notable individuals with the surname Jing include Jing Ke, who attempted to assassinate the first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, and Xu Zhongri, a prominent scholar of the Tang Dynasty. Today, the Jing clan is one of the largest and most influential clans in China.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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