卜
Bu
Pronounced like: "Boo (Low falling-rising tone)"
Other Spellings: Bu, Pok, Bok, Po, Bǔ
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Bu Family Name
The origin of the surname Bu is primarily traced back to the official positions of ancient Chinese dynasties. During the Xia, Shang, and Zhou Dynasties, the 'Bu Guan' was a prestigious court official in charge of divination. The descendants of these officials adopted the title as their surname. A significant branch stems from the Ji (姬) lineage of the Zhou Dynasty. Specifically, many Bu families trace their ancestry to Bu Shang, better known by his courtesy name Zixia, who was a prominent disciple of Confucius. Zixia was renowned for his profound understanding of the classics and founded a school that heavily influenced both Confucianism and Legalism. Another source includes ethnic minority groups, such as the Xiongnu (Huns) during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, who adopted the surname Bu when integrating into Han Chinese society.
What Does the Chinese Surname Bu Mean?
The character '卜' (Bǔ) is one of the oldest Chinese pictographs, representing the cracks formed on heated tortoise shells or oracle bones during ancient divination rituals. Its literal meaning is 'to divine' or 'to tell fortunes.' In ancient Chinese culture, divination was a crucial state affair, used to seek guidance from ancestors or gods regarding harvests, warfare, and imperial succession. The surname originally identified families whose members held the official position of 'Bu Guan' (Divination Official). These officials were highly respected intellectuals responsible for interpreting the spiritual signs. Over time, the character evolved from a professional title into a hereditary family name, symbolizing a lineage connected to ancient wisdom, cosmic interpretation, and the bridge between the human and spiritual realms.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Bu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Bu | Mandarin |
| Pok | Cantonese |
| Bok | Hokkien/Korean |
| Po | Hokkien |
| Bǔ | Pinyin |
Famous People With the Surname Bu
1. Bu Shang (Zixia): A prominent disciple of Confucius known for his literary expertise and for passing down the Confucian classics to later generations.
2. Bu Shi: A high-ranking official during the Western Han Dynasty, famous for his extreme loyalty and for donating half his family fortune to the central government for national defense.
3. Bu Gui: A respected military general and official during the Northern Wei Dynasty, known for his strategic contributions to the consolidation of regional power.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 卜 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
Looking for a Chinese Name with the Surname Bu?
Use our intelligent generator to find a culturally authentic Chinese name tailored to your preferences.
Perfect Names to Pair with Bu
Explore Related Surnames
Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Bu (卜) mean?+
The character '卜' (Bǔ) is one of the oldest Chinese pictographs, representing the cracks formed on heated tortoise shells or oracle bones during ancient divination rituals. Its literal meaning is 'to divine' or 'to tell fortunes.' In ancient Chinese culture, divination was a crucial state affair, used to seek guidance from ancestors or gods regarding harvests, warfare, and imperial succession. The surname originally identified families whose members held the official position of 'Bu Guan' (Divination Official). These officials were highly respected intellectuals responsible for interpreting the spiritual signs. Over time, the character evolved from a professional title into a hereditary family name, symbolizing a lineage connected to ancient wisdom, cosmic interpretation, and the bridge between the human and spiritual realms.
How common is the surname Bu?+
The surname Bu ranks approximately #180 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 卜?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Bu. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Boo (Low falling-rising tone)".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.