Traditional:

Gong

Pronounced like: "Gung (rhymes with 'sung')"

Other Spellings: Kung, Keung, Kiung, Gung, Koong

Quick Facts

SurnameGong ()
Traditional Form
Rank in China#92
Element (Wu Xing)Wood
Ancient RootJiang (姜) / Ji (姬)
Origin EraPre-Qin / Zhou Dynasty

Origin and History of the Gong Family Name

Les origines du nom de famille Gong sont multiples et ancrées dans l'antiquité profonde. La lignée principale remonte à la figure légendaire Gonggong, le dieu de l'eau de la mythologie chinoise. Après que sa tribu a subi une défaite politique à l'époque préhistorique, ses descendants ont modifié leur nom de famille d'origine « Gong » (共) en ajoutant le radical du « dragon » (龙) pour se distinguer. Une autre branche importante provient de l'État de Gong pendant la période des Printemps et Automnes (770-476 av. J.-C.). Lorsque l'État fut annexé par des voisins plus puissants, la noblesse et les citoyens adoptèrent le nom de l'État comme nom de famille. De plus, certaines branches sont issues de titres officiels de la dynastie Han.

What Does the Chinese Surname Gong Mean?

Le nom de famille Gong (龚) porte la signification littérale de « fournir », « approvisionner » ou « témoigner du respect ». Étymologiquement, c'est un caractère composé des radicaux du « dragon » (龙) et de « ensemble » (共). Dans les textes chinois anciens, il était souvent utilisé de manière interchangeable avec le caractère signifiant « offrande » (供), se référant spécifiquement à l'acte de présenter des offrandes rituelles aux ancêtres ou à la cour impériale. Il symbolise un héritage de service, de contribution et de responsabilité communautaire. L'inclusion de la composante du dragon confère également au nom un sentiment de noblesse et de connexion divine, reflétant le statut social élevé ou les devoirs sacrés des premiers porteurs du nom.

Global Pronunciation and Variants of Gong

VariantPrimary Region
KungWade-Giles
KeungCantonese
KiungHakka
GungHokkien/Teochew
KoongRegional

Famous People With the Surname Gong

1. Gong Zizhen (1792–1841) : Un intellectuel et poète renommé de la dynastie Qing dont les œuvres critiquaient la décadence sociale et prônaient des réformes institutionnelles.

2. Gong Sheng (68 av. J.-C. – 11 apr. J.-C.) : Un érudit éminent de la dynastie des Han occidentaux, connu pour sa loyauté inébranlable et son intégrité.

3. Gong Xian (1618–1689) : Un peintre célèbre du début de la dynastie Qing, chef des « Huit Maîtres de Nankin », célèbre pour ses techniques de paysages à l'encre dense.

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.

Looking for a Chinese Name with the Surname Gong?

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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ

What does the Chinese surname Gong (龚) mean?+

The surname Gong (龚) carries the literal meaning of 'to provide,' 'to supply,' or 'to show respect.' Etymologically, it is a complex character composed of the radicals for 'dragon' (龙) and 'together' (共). In ancient Chinese texts, it was often used interchangeably with the character for 'offering' (供), referring specifically to the act of presenting ritual offerings to ancestors or the imperial court. It symbolizes a legacy of service, contribution, and communal responsibility. The inclusion of the dragon component also imbues the name with a sense of nobility and divine connection, reflecting the high social status or sacred duties held by the early bearers of the name in ancient ritualistic society. Today, it remains a name associated with diligence and historical prestige.

How common is the surname Gong?+

The surname Gong ranks approximately #92 among all Chinese surnames.

How do you pronounce the surname 龚?+

In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Gong. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Gung (rhymes with 'sung')".

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.