荆
Traditional: 荊
Jing
Pronounced like: "Jeeng"
Other Spellings: Jing, King, Keung, Cin, Keng
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Jing Family Name
The primary origin of the Jing surname stems from the royal family of the State of Chu (the Mi/芈 surname lineage). During the Western Zhou Dynasty, a branch of the descendants of King Wu of Chu was enfeoffed in the region of Jing (the original name of Chu), and they subsequently adopted 'Jing' as their clan name to honor their ancestral land. A second origin relates to the administrative region of Jingzhou; local inhabitants often adopted the name of their territory as their surname. Additionally, historical records suggest some clans originated from the Jing Mountains (Jingshan), where they took the name of their geographic home. Over centuries, the name migrated from the central Yangtze River valley across Northern and Central China.
What Does the Chinese Surname Jing Mean?
The surname Jing (荆) literally refers to the Vitex shrub, a thorny plant known for its toughness and durability in ancient China, often used for making canes or weaving baskets. Metaphorically, the character represents resilience and simplicity. Historically, 'Jing' was the original name of the State of Chu, one of the most powerful states during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Consequently, the surname is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of the southern regions of China, particularly the Hubei and Hunan provinces. It symbolizes the rugged, unyielding spirit of the frontier and the sophisticated, mystical culture of the ancient Chu kingdom.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Jing
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Jing | Mandarin |
| King | Cantonese |
| Keung | Cantonese/Hokkien |
| Cin | Hokkien variant |
| Keng | Teochew |
Famous People With the Surname Jing
1. Jing Ke: A legendary assassin from the Warring States period, famous for his daring but ultimately failed attempt to assassinate the King of Qin (later Emperor Qin Shi Huang), symbolizing ultimate loyalty and courage.
2. Jing Hao: A master landscape painter of the Five Dynasties period (ca. 850–911), credited with developing the 'Northern Landscape' style and authoring 'Notes on the Art of Brush'.
3. Jing Han: A prominent military general during the Northern Song Dynasty, known for his bravery and strategic contributions in defending the northern borders against nomadic incursions.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 荆 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Jing (荆) mean?+
The surname Jing (荆) literally refers to the Vitex shrub, a thorny plant known for its toughness and durability in ancient China, often used for making canes or weaving baskets. Metaphorically, the character represents resilience and simplicity. Historically, 'Jing' was the original name of the State of Chu, one of the most powerful states during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Consequently, the surname is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of the southern regions of China, particularly the Hubei and Hunan provinces. It symbolizes the rugged, unyielding spirit of the frontier and the sophisticated, mystical culture of the ancient Chu kingdom.
How common is the surname Jing?+
The surname Jing ranks approximately #245 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 荆?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Jing. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Jeeng".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.