Chung is a name of Korean origin, derived from the Korean surname "Chung" or the Chinese surname "Zhang". The meaning of the name Chung varies depending on its source and context.
In Korean culture, the surname Chung is one of the most common family names in Korea. It is believed to have originated from the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo, which existed between 37 BCE and 668 CE. According to legend, the Chung clan was founded by a man named Chungju, who was said to be descended from the mythical Dragon King.
In Chinese culture, the surname Zhang (which is pronounced as "Chung" in Cantonese) is one of the most common surnames in China. It is believed to have originated from the ancient Chinese state of Zhao, which existed during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). The meaning of the name Zhang is "upright" or "virtuous."
Overall, while the origin and meaning of the name Chung may vary depending on its cultural context, it is a name with a rich history and deep roots in both Korean and Chinese cultures.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Chung experienced varied popularity over several decades in the United States. Between 1942 and 1996, there were a total of 198 babies named Chung.
The name's popularity peaked during the late 1970s to early 1980s, with a high of 17 births in 1982. This trend continued into 1983 and 1984, with 12 and 9 babies named Chung respectively.
Interestingly, there were periods of fluctuation and decline in popularity as well. For instance, from 1976 to 1979, the number of births named Chung increased steadily from 5 to 11. However, this was followed by a decrease over the next five years, with the lowest point at 6 births in both 1991 and 1992.
Overall, while there were periods of higher and lower popularity, the name Chung maintained a consistent presence in the United States from 1942 to 1996.