Surname Zang - Meaning and Origin
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Zang: What does the surname Zang mean?
The last name Zang is a toponymic surname, which originates from a place-name. It is derived from the German word “Zang” which means a “shear or cut.” The name likely referred to a person who had some connection with a topographical feature or a prominent landmark that was called “Zang”. It could have been a village, a mountain, a river, or a body of water.
The surname Zang is also associated with several variants and spellings including Zaan, Zant, Zand, Zaun, Zanten, Zon, Zonhaven, and Zoon. These variants are spread across the world and are found in many countries including Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Alphabetically, the surname Zang ranks high among the most popular surnames throughout the world. The 2000 U.S. Census records listed Zant as the thirteenth most common surname in the United States.
Examining the broader etymology of the name, “Zang” could have originated in Central Europe and was likely derived from the Old German or Proto-Indo-European word “Zangh.” The latter was a root word from which many other surnames were derived, such as Zanger, Zangerle, and Zogel.
In German-speaking countries, the name Zang was often perceived as being associated with some kind of a sharp instrument. Therefore, it is possible that it could have been used to describe a person who was skilled at using a blade or axe for cutting down trees, or cutting through other materials.
Overall, the name Zang has a long, rich history and is a fascinating part of family heritage, going back many centuries. Each family may have their own version of the origin of the name, but one thing is for certain – we can all be proud of our Zang heritage!
Order DNA origin analysisZang: Where does the name Zang come from?
The last name Zang is a common surname today throughout many parts of the world. In Europe, it is especially popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also found in significant numbers among the Ashkenazi Jewish population in areas such as Eastern Europe, Russia, and the United States.
In China, the surname Zang is among the top 500 most common surnames. In fact, it is one of the highest ranking surnames in the highest percentage of provinces, including Shanghai and Henan. It is most significant in the eastern provinces, and is also found in Hong Kong and Macau.
In terms of the United States, the surname Zang is especially common in Chinese and Jewish communities. It is found more frequently in the East and West Coasts, though it is somewhat more widely distributed throughout the rest of the country.
Overall, the surname Zang is a relatively common surname throughout much of the world, and is especially popular in areas in Central and Eastern Europe, China, the United States, and elsewhere. It can often be identified as a Jewish or Chinese surname due to its particularly strong presence in certain communities.
Variations of the surname Zang
The surname Zang is a variant of the name Zhang and can be spelled in various ways: Zang, Zamb, Zong, Zhang, Jang and Jung, among others. The ancestral origin of this surname is believed to be from the ancient eastern Zhou kingdom in China, which existed between the 8th century BC and the 3rd century BC. Zang is an occupational surname from the ancient Chinese cultures, originally indicating an occupation as an arrow maker. It sometimes indicates an occupation in the textile industry or a military background; historians and genealogists have been able to trace some of the surnames to this historic era.
The surname is also common among the Teochew people in China. This group is part of a Han people subgroup and are concentrated in eastern Guangdong province and western Fujian province, as well as parts of Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries.
The surname Zang also has various clan names associated with it, such as: Zhaoxu (昭煦), Zhaohou (昭厚), Zhaoheng (昭恆) and Jiujiang (九江).
In some countries, the surname Zang is sometimes found under the name “Tsang”. This spelling is used in countries such as Canada and the United States. Tsang is an adaptation of the common Chinese Zang surname borrowed from the Cantonese-speaking population who immigrated to North America.
The Zang or Zhang surname is fairly common throughout the Chinese-speaking world, making it one of the more common Chinese surnames. Many of the surnames related to it can be found in China, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries.
Famous people with the name Zang
- Sandy Zang: Taiwanese singer and winner of the 2012 Asian Wave singing competition.
- Zhang Ziyi: Chinese actress and model best known for her roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Memoirs of a Geisha.
- Niu Zang: Chinese politician and member of the 13th National People's Congress.
- Hani Zang: British wildlife photographer and conservationist based in Oman.
- Zang Tingfang: Chinese lawyer and politician who served as governor of Shandong.
- Bob Zangrillo: American entrepreneur and philanthropist who co-founded Aviron Pictures.
- Zang Yiming: Chinese artist best known for his sculptures and installations.
- Zang Wenzhong: Chinese politician and member of the 15th Central Committee of the Communist Party.
- Zang Yuanzhang: 15th century Chinese warlord and founder of the Ming Dynasty.
- Zang Jinsheng: Chinese scientist and engineer who was the first to develop radar technology in China.