逯
Lu
Pronounced like: "Loo"
Other Spellings: Lu, Luk, Loke, Loh, Lue
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Lu Family Name
The primary origin of the surname 'Lu' traces back to the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) of ancient China. It is a prominent branch of the Ying (嬴) clan, which was the ancestral house of the State of Qin. According to the 'Xing Zuan' (an ancient register of surnames), a high-ranking official of the Qin State was granted a fief at a place called Lù (located in present-day Shaanxi province). To commemorate this honor and denote their noble status, his descendants adopted the name of the fief as their surname. A secondary origin suggests that during the Han Dynasty, some individuals adopted the surname from local administrative divisions or through the simplification of other complex surnames. The clan eventually spread from Shaanxi to the provinces of Shandong and Henan, where they established themselves as a scholarly and bureaucratic lineage during the imperial eras.
What Does the Chinese Surname Lu Mean?
The surname 'Lu' (逯) is a relatively rare and ancient Chinese surname with deep etymological roots. The character itself historically signifies the act of walking or proceeding, derived from the 'walk' radical (⻌). In ancient Chinese literature, it often described the motion of moving forward or following a path. Beyond its literal meaning, 'Lu' functioned primarily as a toponymic identifier before evolving into a hereditary family name. It represents a lineage associated with specific fiefdoms and administrative regions in North-Central China. Over millennia, the name has transitioned from a geographical marker of nobility to a symbol of ancestral identity, maintaining a distinct presence within the diverse spectrum of Chinese kinship. It embodies a legacy of mobility and administrative service, reflecting the historical shifts of early Chinese feudal society.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Lu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Lu | Mandarin |
| Luk | Cantonese |
| Loke | Hakka |
| Loh | Hokkien |
| Lue | Romanization |
Famous People With the Surname Lu
1. Lu Pu: A distinguished official during the Han Dynasty who served as a Grand Administrator, highly regarded for his efficient governance and contributions to regional stability.
2. Lu Zhongli: A prominent and courageous official of the Ming Dynasty known for his unwavering integrity. He served in the Ministry of Rites and became famous for his memorials to the Emperor that criticized bureaucratic corruption.
3. Lu Qin: A notable military commander and central government official during the Eastern Han period who played a significant role in frontier defense and administrative reform.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 逯 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 (逯) mean?+
The surname 'Lu' (逯) is a relatively rare and ancient Chinese surname with deep etymological roots. The character itself historically signifies the act of walking or proceeding, derived from the 'walk' radical (⻌). In ancient Chinese literature, it often described the motion of moving forward or following a path. Beyond its literal meaning, 'Lu' functioned primarily as a toponymic identifier before evolving into a hereditary family name. It represents a lineage associated with specific fiefdoms and administrative regions in North-Central China. Over millennia, the name has transitioned from a geographical marker of nobility to a symbol of ancestral identity, maintaining a distinct presence within the diverse spectrum of Chinese kinship. It embodies a legacy of mobility and administrative service, reflecting the historical shifts of early Chinese feudal society.
How common is the surname Lu?+
The surname Lu ranks approximately #288 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 逯?+
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.