仲
Zhong
Pronounced like: "Johng (like 'song' but with a 'J')"
Other Spellings: Chung, Tiong, Joong, Trong, Zon
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Zhong Family Name
The surname Zhong has three primary historical origins. First, it traces back to the legendary minister Zhong Hui of the Shang Dynasty, who served King Tang; his descendants adopted his name to commemorate his merit. Second, it originates from the Ji (姬) clan, specifically the descendants of the younger brothers of Zhou Dynasty kings, who used 'Zhong' as part of their courtesy names or titles. Third, it is linked to the famous disciple of Confucius, Zhong You (also known as Zi Lu). His descendants took his name as their surname to honor his legacy of bravery and filial piety. These various lineages coalesced over centuries, forming a surname deeply rooted in noble heritage and Confucian scholarship.
What Does the Chinese Surname Zhong Mean?
The Chinese character '仲' (Zhòng) fundamentally denotes the second-born son or the middle position among siblings. Historically, ancient Chinese families used the sequence of 'Bo, Zhong, Shu, Ji' to indicate the order of seniority among brothers, with 'Zhong' specifically identifying the second eldest. Beyond kinship, the character implies the 'middle' or 'mid-point,' as seen in the word 'Zhongqiu' (Mid-Autumn). Symbolically, it conveys a sense of balance, mediation, and transition. The name carries connotations of reliability and responsibility, reflecting the traditional cultural value of maintaining order within the family hierarchy and the natural world.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Zhong
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Chung | Cantonese/Wade-Giles |
| Tiong | Hokkien/Teochew |
| Joong | Korean |
| Trong | Vietnamese |
| Zon | Hakka |
Famous People With the Surname Zhong
1. Zhong You (Zi Lu): One of the most prominent disciples of Confucius, celebrated for his courage, straightforwardness, and unwavering filial piety. He is an iconic figure in Confucian history.
2. Zhong Yan: A distinguished scholar-official during the Southern Song Dynasty, known for his administrative excellence and contributions to the civil service system.
3. Zhong Changtong: A philosopher and political thinker of the late Eastern Han Dynasty whose influential writings critiqued the social order and government of his time.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 仲 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 Zhong (仲) mean?+
The Chinese character '仲' (Zhòng) fundamentally denotes the second-born son or the middle position among siblings. Historically, ancient Chinese families used the sequence of 'Bo, Zhong, Shu, Ji' to indicate the order of seniority among brothers, with 'Zhong' specifically identifying the second eldest. Beyond kinship, the character implies the 'middle' or 'mid-point,' as seen in the word 'Zhongqiu' (Mid-Autumn). Symbolically, it conveys a sense of balance, mediation, and transition. The name carries connotations of reliability and responsibility, reflecting the traditional cultural value of maintaining order within the family hierarchy and the natural world.
How common is the surname Zhong?+
The surname Zhong ranks approximately #224 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 仲?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Zhong. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Johng (like 'song' but with a 'J')".
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.