Where does the surname Truong originate?

The surname Truong (張) is a common Chinese surname. Its origin can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC), where it was a totemic surname, meaning it was associated with a specific animal or object.

Here's a breakdown of its origins:

* Meaning: The character 張 (Truong) originally depicted a bow and arrow. It was later associated with the mythical bird, the phoenix (鳳凰), which was believed to be a symbol of good fortune and power.

* Origin: During the Zhou Dynasty, a prominent clan called Zhang clan (張氏) originated in Shanxi Province, China. They were believed to have descended from the Emperor Huangdi, the legendary Yellow Emperor, and claimed the phoenix as their totem.

* Spread: The surname spread throughout China over centuries, eventually becoming one of the most common surnames in the country.

* Vietnam: It is also a very common surname in Vietnam, where it is spelled as "Trương". This is due to the influence of Chinese culture on Vietnam throughout history.

Therefore, the surname Truong originated in China during the Zhou Dynasty and is associated with the phoenix, a symbol of good fortune and power.