卢
Traditional: 盧
Lu
Pronounced like: "Loo"
Other Spellings: Loo, Loh, Roh, Ro, Lo
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Lu Family Name
The primary origin of the Lu surname traces back to the Jiang (姜) surname, specifically to the legendary figure Jiang Ziya. During the Western Zhou Dynasty, Gao Xi, a descendant of Jiang Ziya in the eleventh generation, was granted the fief of Lu for his contributions to the state of Qi. His descendants adopted the name of the fief as their surname. Another significant branch emerged during the Northern Wei Dynasty's Xiaowen Emperor's sinicization reforms. Several non-Han ethnic clans, most notably the Molu (莫芦) clan of the Xianbei people, changed their surnames to 'Lu' to better integrate into Han society. This mixture of ancient noble lineage and ethnic integration has shaped the diverse history of the Lu clan across China.
What Does the Chinese Surname Lu Mean?
The surname 'Lu' (卢) carries deep historical and symbolic meanings. In its literal sense, the character 'Lu' historically referred to a black or dark color, often associated with a high-quality vessel or a rice cooker used in ancient times. However, its significance as a surname is primarily derived from geographic and ancestral roots. It is deeply connected to the ancient fief of Lu, located in present-day Changqing, Shandong Province. Over centuries, it has come to represent a lineage of scholars, officials, and nobility. The name embodies a sense of classic elegance and profound heritage, reflecting the cultural depth of the regions where the Lu clan flourished, particularly the Fanyang region, which became a prestigious center for the family.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Lu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Loo | Cantonese/Hokkien |
| Loh | Teochew |
| Roh | Korean |
| Ro | Korean |
| Lo | Hokkien/Vietnamese |
Famous People With the Surname Lu
1. Lu Zhi: A prominent scholar and general of the Eastern Han Dynasty, known for his integrity and for being the teacher of the future Emperor Liu Bei.
2. Lu Zhaolin: A famous poet of the Tang Dynasty, recognized as one of the 'Four Greats of the Early Tang' for his influential and emotional poetic style.
3. Lu Hongyi: A notable statesman and calligrapher during the Tang Dynasty who served as a high-ranking official and was highly respected for his scholarly contributions.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 卢 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.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Lu (卢) mean?+
The surname 'Lu' (卢) carries deep historical and symbolic meanings. In its literal sense, the character 'Lu' historically referred to a black or dark color, often associated with a high-quality vessel or a rice cooker used in ancient times. However, its significance as a surname is primarily derived from geographic and ancestral roots. It is deeply connected to the ancient fief of Lu, located in present-day Changqing, Shandong Province. Over centuries, it has come to represent a lineage of scholars, officials, and nobility. The name embodies a sense of classic elegance and profound heritage, reflecting the cultural depth of the regions where the Lu clan flourished, particularly the Fanyang region, which became a prestigious center for the family.
How common is the surname Lu?+
The surname Lu ranks approximately #50 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 卢?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Lu. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Loo".
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.