The surname Zhang (also romanized as Chang) is one of the most common Chinese surnames. It comes from the Surname System in ancient China, which classified people into different families or clans based on their ancestral homes and ancestors.
The character "张" (Zhāng) in Mandarin Chinese means 'expand' or 'stretch'. This surname is believed to have originated from a legendary figure named Zhong-Yuan Zhang, who lived during the Xia Dynasty (2100 - 1600 BCE). According to legend, he was an official of the court and played a crucial role in protecting the empire from barbarian invasions.
However, it's important to note that the exact origin of Chinese surnames is often associated with legends rather than historical facts. The system of surname transmission and usage has evolved over thousands of years, reflecting the rich cultural history of China.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Zhang
The meaning and origin of the last name Zhang
The surname Zhang (or Chang) is one of the most common surnames in China, where it ranks first in frequency among Han Chinese families. It is one of the Four Great Clans of China, along with Li, Wu, and Sun. The character "Zhang" (章) is composed of two components: "shang" (上), meaning "above", and "zhi" (志), meaning "will" or "ambition". This combination suggests a person who has strong aspirations and rises above ordinary circumstances.
The surname Zhang can be traced back to the Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 BCE). Legend states that its founder was Boyi, a famous minister in ancient China. The character for Zhang was then written as "璋", which later evolved into the current form. Over time, the name spread across various regions of China, with significant concentrations found in areas like Hunan, Henan, and Hubei provinces. Today, it is also widely represented in the diaspora Chinese communities around the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Zhang
The surname Zhang is predominantly distributed across China, being one of the most common surnames in the country. It is estimated that approximately 92 million people worldwide bear this surname, with over 8% of the total Chinese population sharing it. The highest concentrations are found in southern and eastern China, particularly in regions such as Hunan, Hubei, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces. Additionally, significant populations can be found in the Sichuan, Shandong, Henan, and Anhui provinces. Diaspora communities of Chinese descent carrying the surname Zhang are present globally, with notable concentrations in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Variants and spellings of the last name Zhang
The surname Zhang is one of the most common Chinese family names, originating from the Han Dynasty and representing the character 张 in Mandarin Chinese. There are several variations in the spelling of this name due to differences in pronunciation among different dialects and transliterations into non-Chinese languages.
In Mandarin, the pinyin is Zhāng (张). Some common romanizations of this surname include Chang, Cheng, Jung, Tsiang, Tak, Teek, Chong, Chyung, Dzang, Tzang, and Jag among others. The Cantonese pronunciation of the name can be Jēung or Zōng, with variations such as Chong, Cheung, Soong, and Chueng being common in romanizations.
In Taiwan, where Hokkien is spoken, the surname is often written as Kiong, Kong, or Gong in various transliterations. In Japanese katakana, it is written as ショウ (Shou) or 張 (Cho), while in Korean hangul it can be spelled as 장 (Jang). These variations reflect the diversity of cultures and languages that have interacted with Chinese populations over centuries.
Famous people with the last name Zhang
Notable individuals with the surname Zhang include Zhang Yimou, a renowned Chinese film director known for acclaimed movies like "Hero," "House of Flying Daggers," and "Raise the Red Lantern." He has been celebrated internationally for his unique visual style and emotional storytelling in cinema. Another significant figure is Zhang Xiaoling, a Chinese philosopher and Daoist scholar during the Eastern Han Dynasty. He was the author of the influential text "Zhuangzi commentary," also known as the "Xiao Xing" or "Small Commentary." In modern times, Zhang Ziyi, a famous Chinese actress, has gained recognition for her roles in films such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and "Hero." She is considered one of China's most prominent actresses on the international stage. These individuals demonstrate the diverse contributions made by people with the surname Zhang throughout history in various fields, including filmmaking, philosophy, and acting.
Genealogical research on the last name Zhang
The surname Zhang (张) is one of the most common and ancient Chinese family names, originating from the Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 BCE). It is believed to be derived from the name of its founder, Zhong-Zhong (仲仲), a renowned ancestor associated with the Yellow River God. The character Zhang (张) represents an extended hand, symbolizing protection and expansion. Over centuries, numerous branches of the Zhang clan have emerged across China due to migration and regional divisions. Some notable figures with the surname include Zhang Zhan, a scholar from the Tang Dynasty, and Zhang Xueliang, the last Chinese warlord of Manchuria during the early 20th century. Today, the Zhang family can be found in various parts of China and globally due to historical migrations and the diaspora.
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.
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