吕
Traditional: 呂
Lu
Pronounced like: "Lyu (L-yuh)"
Other Spellings: Lu, Lui, Loo, Loh, Lyu
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Lu Family Name
The primary origin of the Lü surname traces back to the legendary Jiang (姜) clan, descendants of the Yan Emperor. During the early Western Zhou Dynasty, King Wu of Zhou granted the territory of Lü (located in present-day Nanyang, Henan Province) to the descendants of Bo Yi, a prominent official who served the ancient sage-kings Yao and Shun. Bo Yi had been rewarded with the title 'Marquis of Lü' for his contributions to the realm. Following the state's eventual annexation, his descendants adopted the name of their former fiefdom as their surname to honor their noble roots. A secondary origin involves the integration of ethnic minority groups, such as the Xianbei people during the Northern Wei Dynasty, who adopted 'Lü' during the widespread period of sinicization.
What Does the Chinese Surname Lu Mean?
The surname Lü (吕) is rich in etymological and symbolic significance. Historically, the character depicts two spinal vertebrae connected together, originally symbolizing the spine or the backbone of a living being. This connotation of structural integrity and support evolved over time. In ancient Chinese music theory, 'Lü' refers to the six even-numbered tones among the twelve standard pitches, representing the 'yin' or feminine musical notes that complement the 'yang' tones. Furthermore, the character can symbolize a pitch-pipe or a measure of harmony. As a surname, it carries the weight of ancestral dignity and the concept of being a foundational pillar within the family and the state, reflecting a legacy of stability, harmony, and strength across generations.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Lu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Lu | Mandarin Pinyin |
| Lui | Cantonese |
| Loo | Hokkien/Teochew |
| Loh | Hokkien |
| Lyu | Standard Pinyin with umlaut |
Famous People With the Surname Lu
1. Lü Bu (died 199 AD): A legendary general and warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, renowned for his peerless martial arts skills and depicted in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' as the most powerful warrior of his era.
2. Empress Lü Zhi (241–180 BC): The wife of Emperor Gaozu of Han; she was the first female to hold the title of Empress in Chinese history and effectively ruled the Han Empire for years after her husband's death.
3. Lü Dongbin (born c. 796 AD): A famous scholar and poet of the Tang Dynasty who is revered as one of the Eight Immortals in Taoist mythology, symbolizing wisdom and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 吕 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 (吕) mean?+
The surname Lü (吕) is rich in etymological and symbolic significance. Historically, the character depicts two spinal vertebrae connected together, originally symbolizing the spine or the backbone of a living being. This connotation of structural integrity and support evolved over time. In ancient Chinese music theory, 'Lü' refers to the six even-numbered tones among the twelve standard pitches, representing the 'yin' or feminine musical notes that complement the 'yang' tones. Furthermore, the character can symbolize a pitch-pipe or a measure of harmony. As a surname, it carries the weight of ancestral dignity and the concept of being a foundational pillar within the family and the state, reflecting a legacy of stability, harmony, and strength across generations.
How common is the surname Lu?+
The surname Lu ranks approximately #43 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 吕?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Lu. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Lyu (L-yuh)".
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.