吴
Traditional: 吳
Wu
Pronounced like: "Woo"
Other Spellings: Ng, Goh, Ngo, Woo, Gô
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Wu Family Name
The primary origin of the Wu surname is traced back to the House of Ji, the ruling family of the Zhou Dynasty. Legend has it that Taibo and Zhongyong, the eldest sons of King Tai of Zhou, realized their father wanted their younger brother to succeed him. In an act of profound filial piety, they fled to the 'barbaric' southern regions of the Yangtze delta, adopting local customs and establishing the State of Wu. Their descendants eventually adopted the state name as their surname to honor their heritage. A secondary origin stems from the ancient Wu-Hui tribe during the era of the legendary Yan and Huang Emperors. Additionally, some branches are said to have descended from the Sanmiao people or adopted the name through ethnic integration over millennia.
What Does the Chinese Surname Wu Mean?
The character 'Wu' (吴) in its ancient form depicts a person shouting loudly, represented by a mouth (口) above a person with a tilted head (夨). This imagery suggests a loud cry or a grand announcement. Over time, the character evolved to represent the concept of 'great' or 'large' in some contexts, though it is most famously identified as a territorial marker. It eventually became the name of the powerful State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. Within the context of Chinese onomastics, it carries a legacy of prestige associated with the fertile lands of the lower Yangtze River and the vibrant culture that emerged from that region.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Wu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Ng | Cantonese |
| Goh | Hokkien/Teochew |
| Ngo | Hokkien |
| Woo | Korean |
| Gô | Vietnamese |
Famous People With the Surname Wu
1. Wu Zetian (624–705): The only legitimate female sovereign in Chinese history, who ruled as the Empress of the Zhou Dynasty.
2. Wu Daozi (680–740): A legendary painter of the Tang Dynasty, revered as the 'Sage of Painting' for his masterful murals and ink work.
3. Wu Sangui (1612–1678): A pivotal Ming Dynasty general who opened the Great Wall's gates to the Qing forces, drastically changing Chinese history.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 吴 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 (吴) mean?+
The character 'Wu' (吴) in its ancient form depicts a person shouting loudly, represented by a mouth (口) above a person with a tilted head (夨). This imagery suggests a loud cry or a grand announcement. Over time, the character evolved to represent the concept of 'great' or 'large' in some contexts, though it is most famously identified as a territorial marker. It eventually became the name of the powerful State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. Within the context of Chinese onomastics, it carries a legacy of prestige associated with the fertile lands of the lower Yangtze River and the vibrant culture that emerged from that region.
How common is the surname Wu?+
The surname Wu ranks approximately #9 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 吴?+
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.