禄
Traditional: 祿
Lu
Pronounced like: "Loo"
Other Spellings: Lu, Luk, Lok, Lôk, Rok
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Lu Family Name
The primary origin of the Lu surname traces back to the transition between the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Following the fall of the Shang Dynasty, King Wu of Zhou enfeoffed Wu Geng, the son of the last Shang ruler King Zhou, to govern the remnants of the Shang people. Wu Geng was also known by the name Lu Fu (禄父). His descendants eventually adopted 'Lu' as their surname to honor their royal lineage. Another source involves ethnic minority groups, such as the Xianbei during the Northern and Southern Dynasties and the Manchu during the Qing Dynasty, who adopted 'Lu' during periods of cultural sinicization. It also sporadically originated from titles of officials managing imperial salaries.
What Does the Chinese Surname Lu Mean?
The surname 'Lu' (禄) primarily signifies 'official salary,' 'blessing,' or 'good fortune.' In ancient Chinese culture, 'Lu' represented the divine favor or the material wealth granted to officials by the emperor as a reward for their service. It is one of the three fundamental components of the 'Sanxing' (Three Stars) of Chinese mythology: Fu (Happiness), Lu (Prosperity/Status), and Shou (Longevity). The character's structure, involving the 'divine' radical, suggests a ritualistic or heavenly distribution of prosperity, symbolizing a lineage associated with nobility, administrative achievement, and celestial grace.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Lu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Lu | Mandarin |
| Luk | Cantonese |
| Lok | Hokkien |
| Lôk | Teochew |
| Rok | Korean transliteration |
Famous People With the Surname Lu
1. Lu Fu (禄父): Also known as Wu Geng, he was the son of King Zhou of Shang and a central figure in the early Western Zhou period who attempted to restore the Shang legacy.
2. Lu Zhi (禄智): A significant local chieftain and official during the Ming Dynasty who was instrumental in governing the southwestern border regions and maintaining peace under the imperial court.
3. Lu Chang (禄昌): A distinguished civil official of the Qing Dynasty known for his dedication to regional administration and his contributions to the local socio-economic development in his jurisdiction.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 禄 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 Lu?
Use our intelligent generator to find a culturally authentic Chinese name tailored to your preferences.
Perfect Names to Pair with Lu
Explore Related Surnames
Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Lu (禄) mean?+
The surname 'Lu' (禄) primarily signifies 'official salary,' 'blessing,' or 'good fortune.' In ancient Chinese culture, 'Lu' represented the divine favor or the material wealth granted to officials by the emperor as a reward for their service. It is one of the three fundamental components of the 'Sanxing' (Three Stars) of Chinese mythology: Fu (Happiness), Lu (Prosperity/Status), and Shou (Longevity). The character's structure, involving the 'divine' radical, suggests a ritualistic or heavenly distribution of prosperity, symbolizing a lineage associated with nobility, administrative achievement, and celestial grace.
How common is the surname Lu?+
The surname Lu ranks approximately #999 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 禄?+
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.