dǒng 董
百家姓 · Bai Jia Xing
Surname Origin
The origin of the surname "Dong": It comes from the Ji surname and is a surname based on occupation. According to "Xing Shi Ji Jiu Pian" (An Anthology of Family Names), there was an official named Xin in the Zhou Dynasty. He had two sons who were sent to the State of Jin to serve as court historians, tasked with supervising (managing) the historical records and archives of the State of Jin. Therefore, they adopted "Dong" as their surname. Dong Hu was one of their descendants. Also, according to "Tong Zhi - Shi Zu Lue" (Comprehensive Records - Treatise on Clans), it is said that there was a person named Dong Fu during the time of Emperor Shun in ancient times, who is considered the ancestor of the Dong clan. This is a mythological legend.
Famous Story
### Dong Hu A court historian in the Jin State during the Spring and Autumn Period. His birth and death dates are unknown. Duke Ling of Jin was tyrannical. Zhao Dun, the chief minister, repeatedly advised him, but the duke didn't listen and even wanted to kill him. So Zhao Dun fled the country. Later, Zhao Chuan, a member of the Zhao family, assassinated Duke Ling. When Zhao Dun returned to the Jin State, he didn't punish Zhao Chuan. Dong Hu recorded it as "Zhao Dun assassinated his sovereign". Confucius then said, "Dong Hu is an ancient good historian who didn't conceal the truth in his records." ### Dong Zhongshu (179 BC - 104 BC) A famous Confucian scholar in the Western Han Dynasty. He was from Guangchuan (east of Zaoqiang County, Hebei Province). He studied "Spring and Autumn Annals" in his youth and became a court academician during the reign of Emperor Jing of Han. He gave lectures behind a curtain and didn't even look into the garden for three years. He advocated the exclusive respect for Confucianism and wrote books such as "Chunqiu Fanlu" (Luxuriant Dew of the Spring and Autumn Annals). ### Dong Zhuo (? - 192) With the courtesy name Zhongying, he was from Lintao (now Min County, Gansu Province) in the Han Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Huan of Han, he served as a bodyguard; during the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, he was a former general. After the death of Emperor Ling, he led his troops to the capital, executed eunuchs, deposed Emperor Shao, installed Emperor Xian, assassinated the empress dowager, and made himself the grand tutor. He was lewd, cruel, and violent. Yuan Shao and others thus launched an army to attack him, and later he was killed by Lü Bu. ### Dong Qichang (1555 - 1636) With the courtesy name Xuanzai and the pseudonyms Sibai and Xiangguang Jushi. He was a calligrapher and painter in the Ming Dynasty, from Huating (now Songjiang District, Shanghai). He passed the imperial examinations in the Wanli period and reached the position of Minister of Rites in Nanjing. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Wenmin. He was amiable, understood Zen philosophy, was good at both poetry and prose, was an outstanding calligrapher, and his paintings were extremely elegant and vivid. He wrote books such as "Huachanshi Suibi" (Random Notes from the Studio of Painting Zen), "Rongtai Wenji" (Collected Works of Rongtai), "Huazhi" (Essence of Painting), and "Huayan" (Insight into Painting).
dōng 东
百家姓 · Bai Jia Xing
Famous Story
Migration and Distribution (Missing) The Dong surname is not listed among the top 100 surnames in the mainland of China and Taiwan. It is said that Fuxi was the leader of the eastern tribes, and his tribe developed most rapidly and had the most advanced production methods. Fuxi's tribe made indelible and great contributions to the history of the Chinese nation's development. Some of his descendants took the surname Dong to commemorate his contributions to the eastern tribes. During the time of Emperor Shun, he had seven friends, one of whom was named Dong Buzhi (or Dong Buzizi), and all his descendants took the surname Dong.
Random Names With "董,东"
The continuation of offspring, the inheritance of hope.
It shines upon the city, radiating brilliant light far and wide.
Intelligent and quick-witted, with a sharp mind.
Mighty and expansive, with lofty aspirations.
Profoundly learned and endowed with both talent and virtue.
Radiant and as fiery as a raging flame
Noble and wealthy, tenacious and strong.
Knowledgeable and refined with an imposing grace.