Zhong Family History

Chinese:: Mandarin form of the surname 鐘 meaning ‘bell’ in Chinese: from the placename Zhong Li (鐘離) a fief (located in Fengyang in Anhui province or in Hanchuan in Hubei province) in the state of Chu which was granted to Zhou Li who fled to the state of Chu from the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).

Mandarin form of the surname 仲 meaning ‘second in order of birth’ in ancient Chinese: (i) from the personal names of Zhong Kan (仲堪) and Zhong Xiong (仲熊) two famous educators during the reign of the legendary Emperor Shun (c. 23rd century BC). (ii) from Gong Zhong (共仲) style name of Qing Fu a prince of the state of Lu (located mainly in present-day Shandong province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC).

(iii) from the personal name of Zhong Hui (仲虺) an official during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). (iv) from Zhong Shan Fu (仲山甫) style name of a famous official during the reign of King Xuan of Zhong (reigned 827–791 BC). (v) from the personal name of Zhong Ji (仲幾) a noble in the state of Song (located in present-day Shangqiu in Henan province).

Mandarin form of the surname 衷 meaning ‘sincere' in Chinese: said to be adopted in place of another Chinese surname 哀.