Zheng is a Chinese given name of historic significance and cultural importance. It originated from the ancient Chinese surname "Zheng" (郑), which is believed to have been one of the earliest surnames in China, dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (771-476 BCE). The Zheng clan was originally from the state of Zheng (now located in Henan province), and they were known for their scholarly and political achievements.
The name Zheng itself means "to advance" or "to progress," reflecting the virtues of perseverance, determination, and advancement. It is also associated with the concept of "rectification," suggesting a commitment to righteousness, moral integrity, and making things right.
Throughout Chinese history, many notable figures have borne the name Zheng, contributing to its rich legacy. Some well-known examples include:
* Zheng Xuan (70-38 BCE), an influential scholar and commentator on the Confucian classics during the Han Dynasty.
* Zheng He (1371-1433), a renowned admiral and explorer who commanded seven voyages to the Western Ocean, opening up trade routes with Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and Africa during the Ming Dynasty.
In modern times, Zheng has remained popular as both a surname and given name in China. It is often chosen by parents for their children, carrying on the name's tradition of conveying positive values such as progressiveness and moral integrity. As a result, many people named Zheng can be found across various walks of life today, continuing to enrich and uphold this historic and meaningful name.
The name Zheng has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past two decades. In the year 2002, there were only six babies named Zheng according to the Social Security Administration's records on popular baby names.
By the year 2018, the popularity of this name had slightly decreased as there were five births recorded with the name Zheng during that year. This indicates a decline in its usage over time.
Despite the limited number of births each year, the total cumulative figure for the name Zheng is still quite low with only eleven babies being named Zheng in the United States between 2002 and 2018 inclusive.