苏
Traditional: 蘇
Su
Pronounced like: "Soo"
Other Spellings: So, Sou, Tho, Su, Saw
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Su Family Name
The lineage of the Su surname is most prominently traced back to the state of Su during the Zhou Dynasty. Historical records suggest that the descendants of Kunwu, a grandson of the legendary Emperor Zhuanxu, were enfeoffed in the region of Su (modern-day Henan province), eventually adopting the state's name as their surname. A second major lineage originates from the Kunwu tribe of the Xia Dynasty, known for their early metallurgy and political influence. During the Northern Wei Dynasty, the surname saw further expansion when ethnic minority groups, specifically the Bashiba clan of the Xianbei people, adopted 'Su' as part of Emperor Xiaowen's systematic Sinicization policies. Over millennia, the Su clan established its prominence in the commanderies of Wugong and Zhao, evolving into one of the most culturally significant families in China. Today, the name remains a symbol of scholarly achievement and historical depth, with branches spread widely across the globe.
What Does the Chinese Surname Su Mean?
The character '苏' (Sū) has profound linguistic and botanical roots in Chinese culture. Originally, it referred to 'Perilla frutescens,' a type of fragrant medicinal herb known for its healing and aromatic properties. Beyond its botanical definition, the character historically encompasses the meaning of 'revival,' 'resurrection,' or 'to recover consciousness,' as seen in the classical phrase 'fusu' (to return to life). This association with rebirth gives the surname a symbolic connection to vitality, resilience, and the enduring cycles of nature. The structural composition of the character, featuring the 'grass' radical at the top, emphasizes its deep connection to the earth and flora. In a broader cultural context, the name is also famously associated with the historic city of Suzhou, often likened to an earthly paradise, thereby imbuing the surname with connotations of elegance, prosperity, and the refined aesthetics of the Jiangnan region's traditional gardens and waterways.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Su
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| So | Cantonese/Korean |
| Sou | Macau |
| Tho | Hokkien/Teochew |
| Su | Mandarin/Pinyin |
| Saw | Hokkien |
Famous People With the Surname Su
1. Su Shi (Su Dongpo): A preeminent polymath of the Song Dynasty who excelled as a poet, calligrapher, painter, and statesman; he is considered one of the greatest figures in Chinese literature.
2. Su Song: A renowned scientist and engineer of the Song Dynasty who constructed the world's first mechanical water-driven astronomical clock tower and authored significant treatises on pharmacognosy.
3. Su Qin: A famous political strategist during the Warring States period who successfully advocated for the 'Vertical Alliance,' a coalition of six states formed to oppose the expansionist Qin state.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 苏 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 Su (苏) mean?+
The character '苏' (Sū) has profound linguistic and botanical roots in Chinese culture. Originally, it referred to 'Perilla frutescens,' a type of fragrant medicinal herb known for its healing and aromatic properties. Beyond its botanical definition, the character historically encompasses the meaning of 'revival,' 'resurrection,' or 'to recover consciousness,' as seen in the classical phrase 'fusu' (to return to life). This association with rebirth gives the surname a symbolic connection to vitality, resilience, and the enduring cycles of nature. The structural composition of the character, featuring the 'grass' radical at the top, emphasizes its deep connection to the earth and flora. In a broader cultural context, the name is also famously associated with the historic city of Suzhou, often likened to an earthly paradise, thereby imbuing the surname with connotations of elegance, prosperity, and the refined aesthetics of the Jiangnan region's traditional gardens and waterways.
How common is the surname Su?+
The surname Su ranks approximately #41 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 苏?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Su. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Soo".
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.