[Interpretation]

The term represents "that which the whole world looks up to and gravitates toward." In Jiaguwen (Oracle Bone Script) and Jinwen (Bronze Script), the character 王 (Wang) depicts the shape of an axe-like weapon known as a "Yue" (battle-axe). In ancient times, emperors and dukes used this weapon to command armies and conquer territories; thus, it serves as a symbol of supreme power.

[Origin]

There are several major historical branches for the origin of this surname:

• The Lineage of Prince Jin: During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Prince Ji Jin (son of King Ling of Zhou) was demoted to commoner status for his blunt and honest admonitions. His son, Zong Jing, served as the Situ (Minister of Education) in the Eastern Zhou. People of that time referred to his family as the "Wang Jia" (The Royal Family), and his descendants subsequently adopted Wang as their surname. Their ancestral home was the Eastern Zhou capital, Luoyi (present-day Luoyang).

• The Lineage of Ji High: Another branch originating from the Ji clan consists of the descendants of Bi Gong Gao (the 15th son of King Wen of Zhou). Because they were of royal descent, they took Wang as their surname.

• The Lineage of the Zi Clan: This branch formed much earlier and consists of the descendants of Bi Gan (a famous loyal minister of the Shang Dynasty), who belonged to the Zi clan.