The origin of Hong can be traced back to the surname Jiang. In ancient China, a tribe known as Gong Gong Shi (the union, combined labor) were the descendents of Yan Di (Shen Nong Shi), and bore the last name Jiang. They resided on the west-coast of the Yellow River, and were experts in irrigation and flood control. The Gong Gong Shi were thus made Officials of Irrigation and were hailed as the 'gods of water'. After Huang Di seized power from Yan Di, the descendents of the latter were often oppressed, leading to the discontent of the Gong Gong Shi, who eventually rebelled against the government during the reign of Di Gao. Di Ku (descendent of Huang Di) gathered his army against the rebellion, among them was the descendents of Sui Ren Shi who invented fire. The 'gods of fire' thus fought against the 'gods of water' at the Battle of Bei Zhou Shan with the Gong Gong Shi being defeated badly. After the rebellion was suppressed, the Gong Gong Shi were given back their old position. However, during the reign of Yao Di, the Gong Gong Shi got themselves into trouble again by not cooperating with the government, leading to widespread of flooding. Yao led his army and defeated the Gong Gong Shi again. Due to past experience, Yao did not spare the rebellion and exiled the Gong Gong Shi to JiangNan. Due to their affiliation with water, their descendents added the water radical to the Chinese character of Gong and called themselves the Hongs.

Tang Dynasty- Hong Ziyu (Judge)

Song Dynasty- Hong Hao, Hong Mai (Scholars), Hong Shi (Prime Minister), Hong Yi (Judge)

Ming Dynasty- Hong Xiaoxiang (Painter)

Qing Dynasty- Hong Chengchou (General), Hong Sheng (Musician), Hong Liangji (Scholar), Hong Xiuchuang (Boxer Rebellion Leader)