Discover people named Zi Zhang

The last name "Zhang" is of Chinese origin, primarily associated with the Han ethnic group, and is one of the most common surnames in China, ranking among the top three. The name is believed to have originated from the ancient state of Zhang during the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC) in what is now modern-day Shanxi province. The character "张" (Zhang) means "to stretch" or "to open," which may relate to the characteristics of those who initially bore the name, possibly indicating a person who was a leader or someone who expanded their influence. Variations of the surname can be found in different regions and cultures, such as "Cheung" in Cantonese-speaking areas, "Chang" in Taiwan, and "Jang" in Korean contexts, reflecting differences in pronunciation and regional adaptations. The surname has also been romanized in various ways, depending on the transliteration system used, such as "Zhang" in Pinyin, which is the official romanization system for Standard Mandarin. Overall, the surname Zhang carries significant historical and cultural weight, symbolizing a rich heritage that spans centuries.