Wēng

Wēng (翁) is a Chinese surname with a history spanning over two millennia. Its origins are often traced back to the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 BC) in ancient China. One prominent theory suggests it originated from the title of 'Wengong' (翁公), a posthumous honorific given to a descendant of King Zhao of Zhou. Another account links it to the state of Weng (翁國), a small state in present-day Fujian province, whose inhabitants adopted the state's name as their surname after its conquest. The character itself, 翁, originally depicted an old man with white hair, reflecting its primary meaning of 'old man' or 'venerable elder'.

Over centuries, the Wēng surname spread throughout China, particularly in the southern provinces like Fujian and Guangdong. Many Wēng families migrated overseas, especially to Southeast Asia, during various historical periods, contributing to its presence in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The surname has maintained its significance and is associated with various clans and lineages across different regions, often with rich genealogical records.