武
Wu
Pronounced like: "Woo"
Other Spellings: Mo, Bu, Vu, Take, Mu
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Wu Family Name
The most prominent origin is from the Zhou Dynasty, where King Ping's younger son was named Ji Wu. His descendants adopted 'Wu' as their surname. Another major branch stems from the posthumous title of Duke Wu of Song during the Spring and Autumn period. Additionally, many minority groups like the Manchu and Mongols adopted this surname during later dynasties.
What Does the Chinese Surname Wu Mean?
The surname 'Wu' (武) symbolizes 'martial,' 'military,' or 'bravery.' Etymologically, it is a compound of the characters for 'stop' (止) and 'spear' (戈), traditionally interpreted as the ability to suppress conflict through strength. It reflects a heritage of valor, physical prowess, and the noble pursuit of peace through disciplined power.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Wu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Mo | Cantonese |
| Bu | Hokkien |
| Vu | Vietnamese |
| Take | Japanese |
| Mu | Historical |
Famous People With the Surname Wu
1. Wu Zetian: The only legitimate female emperor in Chinese history, who ruled during the Tang Dynasty and founded the Wu Zhou Dynasty.
2. Wu Song: A legendary hero from the classic novel 'Water Margin,' renowned for his incredible strength and for slaying a man-eating tiger.
3. Wu Xun: A famous educator of the late Qing Dynasty who spent his life begging for money to establish free schools for poor children.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 武 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 Wu (武) mean?+
The surname 'Wu' (武) symbolizes 'martial,' 'military,' or 'bravery.' Etymologically, it is a compound of the characters for 'stop' (止) and 'spear' (戈), traditionally interpreted as the ability to suppress conflict through strength. It reflects a heritage of valor, physical prowess, and the noble pursuit of peace through disciplined power.
How common is the surname Wu?+
The surname Wu ranks approximately #95 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 武?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Wu. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Woo".
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.