All surnames

Chinese surname

Zhang

Archer/bow-maker

Occupational surname

Zhang (张) is one of the most common Chinese surnames and originally meant 'to stretch' or referred to an archer or bow-maker. It is associated with several ancient lineages, including descendants of the Yellow Emperor. The character 张 depicts a bow being drawn.

The surname is borne by tens of millions of people. It ranks among the top three or four surnames in China.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Zhang mean?+

Archer/bow-maker. From 张 (zhang), whose character depicts a bow being drawn.

Is Zhang a common surname?+

Zhang is a Chinese-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?+

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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