Cheng

Pronounced like: "Chung"

Other Spellings: Cheng, Sing, Seng, Thanh, Seong

Quick Facts

SurnameCheng ()
Rank in China#144
Element (Wu Xing)Metal
Ancient RootJi (姬)
Origin EraWestern Zhou Dynasty

Origin and History of the Cheng Family Name

Les origines du nom de famille Cheng sont multiples, remontant principalement à la dynastie des Zhou occidentaux. Une branche majeure descend de la famille régnante de l'État de Cheng, situé dans l'actuelle province du Henan, qui était un État vassal accordé aux descendants du légendaire roi Wen de Zhou. Une autre source importante provient des descendants du roi Cheng de Zhou, qui ont adopté son nom posthume comme titre de clan pour honorer son héritage de stabilité. De plus, certaines lignées sont originaires de l'État de Qi, où des hauts fonctionnaires ont reçu le fief de Cheng. Au cours des siècles, ces diverses branches ont convergé vers le nom unique Cheng, se propageant en Chine centrale et orientale lors des périodes de migration.

What Does the Chinese Surname Cheng Mean?

Le nom de famille Cheng (成) porte des connotations profondes d'achèvement, d'accomplissement et de succès. Dans la langue chinoise, le caractère signifie littéralement finir, accomplir ou devenir. Il représente la réalisation d'un objectif ou la maturation d'un processus. Historiquement, il implique la stabilité et l'atteinte d'un certain statut ou d'une vertu. Les familles portant ce nom étaient souvent associées aux thèmes de l'intégrité et de la fructification. C'est un nom qui suggère un héritage de bâtisseurs et de performeurs ayant laissé un impact durable sur leurs communautés grâce à leur persévérance et leur dévouement à mener à bien leurs entreprises. Il reflète l'importance culturelle accordée aux résultats et à l'accomplissement de sa destinée.

Global Pronunciation and Variants of Cheng

VariantPrimary Region
ChengMandarin
SingCantonese
SengHokkien
ThanhVietnamese
SeongKorean

Famous People With the Surname Cheng

1. Cheng Gongying : Un général et fonctionnaire éminent de la fin de la dynastie des Han orientaux et du début de la période des Trois Royaumes, connu pour ses conseils militaires stratégiques.

2. Cheng Jiong : Un érudit distingué de la dynastie des Song du Sud, célèbre pour son expertise approfondie des classiques confucéens et ses contributions à l'interprétation du 'Yi Jing'.

3. Cheng Ji : Un haut fonctionnaire de la dynastie Tang qui a servi comme gouverneur régional, resté dans les mémoires pour son intégrité administrative et ses efforts pour améliorer la vie du peuple.

Clan Motto

Traditional clan mottos for the 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 Cheng (成) mean?+

The surname Cheng (成) carries profound connotations of completion, accomplishment, and success. In the Chinese language, the character literally means to finish, to achieve, or to become. It represents the realization of a goal or the maturation of a process. Historically, it implies stability and the attainment of a certain status or virtue. Families bearing this name were often associated with themes of integrity and fruition. It is a name that suggests a legacy of builders and achievers who have left a lasting impact on their communities through their perseverance and dedication to completing their endeavors. It reflects a cultural emphasis on results and the fulfillment of one's destiny or duties.

How common is the surname Cheng?+

The surname Cheng ranks approximately #144 among all Chinese surnames.

How do you pronounce the surname 成?+

In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Cheng. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Chung".

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.