Find out how popular the first name Tong has been for the last 40 years (from 1980 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tong by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Tong is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tong.

The history of the first name Tong

The given name Tong has its origins in the Chinese language, tracing back to ancient times. It is believed to have derived from the Middle Chinese word "tong," which means "youth" or "young." This linguistic connection suggests that the name was initially given to boys and young men, symbolizing their youthful vitality and energy.

In Chinese culture, names often carry profound meanings and are carefully chosen to reflect desired attributes or blessings for the child. The name Tong might have been bestowed upon newborns with the hope that they would grow up to embody the qualities of youth, such as vigor, curiosity, and the potential for growth and development.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Tong can be traced back to ancient Chinese literature and historical records. One notable example is Tong Zhongshu, a philosopher and official who lived during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). His influential work on Confucian thought and his contributions to the establishment of the Han imperial ideology made him a prominent figure in Chinese history.

Another famous bearer of the name Tong was Tong Guan, a celebrated Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) poet and calligrapher. His literary works and exceptional calligraphic skills earned him recognition as one of the most accomplished artists of his time.

In the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, Tong Xuan Zhi, a renowned physician during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), made significant contributions to the development of acupuncture and herbal remedies. His writings and teachings had a lasting impact on the practice of traditional Chinese medicine.

Moving forward in history, Tong Shao Yi was a notable figure during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD). He served as a high-ranking military general and played a crucial role in suppressing various rebellions, helping to maintain the stability of the Ming Empire.

In more recent times, the name Tong has been carried by individuals who have left their mark in various fields. For instance, Tong Linge (1915–2012) was a acclaimed Chinese opera singer and actress, renowned for her portrayal of traditional Kunqu opera roles.

While the name Tong has its roots in Chinese culture, it has also been adopted and adapted in other parts of the world, reflecting the global influence and spread of Chinese names and traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tong was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tong, please contact us.

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