郑
Traditional: 鄭
Zheng
Pronounced like: "Jung"
Other Spellings: Cheng, Tay, Teh, Chang, Trinh
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Zheng Family Name
The historical roots of Zheng can be traced back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BC). King Xuan of Zhou granted the fief of Zheng (located in modern-day Shaanxi) to his younger brother, Ji You, who became posthumously known as Duke Huan of Zheng. This state later moved to the Central Plains (modern Henan) and became a powerful hegemon during the Spring and Autumn period. After the State of Zheng was eventually conquered by the State of Han in 375 BC, its citizens and members of the ruling house adopted the name of their lost state as their surname to honor their heritage. This transformation from a political designation to a hereditary surname solidified its place as one of the most prominent lineages in Chinese history.
What Does the Chinese Surname Zheng Mean?
The surname Zheng (郑) is deeply rooted in the concept of organized settlement and ritual. The character is composed of two primary components: the right side '邑' (yì) signifies a city or state, while the left side '奠' (diàn) historically represents a wine vessel placed on a stand, symbolizing ceremonies, libations, or the act of establishing order. In an ancient context, it referred to the State of Zheng, a crucial vassal state. Beyond its geographical origin, the name evokes a sense of solemnity, formal procedure, and the foundational elements of civilization, representing the growth from a ceremonial site to a powerful political entity within the early Chinese dynastic structure.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Zheng
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Cheng | Cantonese/Wade-Giles |
| Tay | Hokkien |
| Teh | Teochew |
| Chang | Korean variant |
| Trinh | Vietnamese |
Famous People With the Surname Zheng
1. Zheng He (1371–1433): A world-renowned Ming dynasty admiral and diplomat who led seven epic naval expeditions reaching Southeast Asia, India, and East Africa.
2. Zheng Chenggong (1624–1662): Also known as Koxinga, a Ming loyalist military leader who expelled the Dutch from Taiwan and established the Kingdom of Tungning.
3. Zheng Banqiao (1693–1765): A famous painter, calligrapher, and poet of the Qing dynasty, known as one of the 'Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou' for his distinctive artistic style.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 郑 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 Zheng (郑) mean?+
The surname Zheng (郑) is deeply rooted in the concept of organized settlement and ritual. The character is composed of two primary components: the right side '邑' (yì) signifies a city or state, while the left side '奠' (diàn) historically represents a wine vessel placed on a stand, symbolizing ceremonies, libations, or the act of establishing order. In an ancient context, it referred to the State of Zheng, a crucial vassal state. Beyond its geographical origin, the name evokes a sense of solemnity, formal procedure, and the foundational elements of civilization, representing the growth from a ceremonial site to a powerful political entity within the early Chinese dynastic structure.
How common is the surname Zheng?+
The surname Zheng ranks approximately #7 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 郑?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Zheng. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Jung".
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.