GONG

Chinese 宫: from a character meaning ‘palace’, part of the title of an official in charge of guarding the palace. During the Spring and Autumn period (722–481 BC), descendants of such an official adopted Gong as their surname.

Chinese 巩: from the name of the state of Gong-Bo, located in Henan province during the Zhou dynasty (1122–221 BC).

Chinese 公: of uncertain origin; this character came into use as a surname during the Spring and Autumn period (722–481 BC) in the state of Lu in present-day Shandong province.

Chinese 弓: from a character meaning ‘bow’. This name originated with Hui, a grandson of the legendary emperor Huang Di (2697–2595 BC). Hui invented bows and arrows, an accomplishment that inspired two surnames: Gong, the character for ‘bow’, and Zhang (see Zhang), which is composed of the characters for ‘bow’ + ‘long’.