Ju

Pronounced like: "Jyu (similar to 'Chew' but with rounded lips as in French 'tu')"

Other Spellings: Ju, Chu, Kuk, Guk, Kiku

Quick Facts

SurnameJu ()
Rank in China#175
Element (Wu Xing)Wood
Ancient RootJi (姬)
Origin EraWestern Zhou Dynasty

Origin and History of the Ju Family Name

La lignée principale du nom Ju remonte au légendaire clan Ji (姬), la famille royale de la dynastie Zhou. Plus précisément, il descend de Ju Tao, fils de Bu Ku et petit-fils de Hou Ji (le dieu de l'agriculture). Selon la légende, Ju Tao est né avec des marques ressemblant au mot 'Ju' sur les paumes, ce qui a conduit ses descendants à adopter ce nom. Une autre branche importante est apparue pendant la période des Royaumes combattants dans l'État de Yan. Au fil des siècles, le nom s'est propagé depuis les régions du nord de la Chine, notamment le Shandong et le Hebei. Il a également été adopté par des minorités ethniques telles que les Jurchens et les Mandchous sous les dynasties Jin et Qing, diversifiant ainsi ses racines généalogiques.

What Does the Chinese Surname Ju Mean?

Le nom de famille Ju (鞠) est riche d'une histoire étymologique profonde. Dans son usage le plus ancien, il faisait référence à un type de ballon utilisé dans le 'Cuju', l'ancêtre du football moderne. Au-delà de cette connexion athlétique, le caractère porte des connotations de nutrition, d'élevage ou d'éducation d'un enfant avec soin et discipline. Il décrit également une posture physique d'inclinaison ou de courbette, symbolisant l'humilité ou la révérence. Dans un contexte philosophique, il signifie le dévouement et une attention méticuleuse aux détails. Cette signification multiforme reflète un héritage culturel qui valorise la vigueur physique, l'éducation des générations futures et une approche respectueuse et disciplinée de la vie.

Global Pronunciation and Variants of Ju

VariantPrimary Region
JuPinyin
ChuWade-Giles
KukCantonese
GukKorean
KikuJapanese

Famous People With the Surname Ju

1. Ju Wu : Un éminent Grand Tuteur du prince héritier Dan de l'État de Yan pendant la période des Royaumes combattants, connu pour ses conseils stratégiques.

2. Ju Tan : Un fonctionnaire distingué de la dynastie des Han occidentaux qui a servi comme gouverneur de Runan, célèbre pour son intégrité et sa bonne gouvernance.

3. Ju Chang : Un savant réputé et haut fonctionnaire pendant la période des Cinq Dynasties et le début de la dynastie Song, reconnu pour ses contributions littéraires.

Clan Motto

Traditional clan mottos for the 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 Ju (鞠) mean?+

The surname Ju (鞠) is rich in etymological history. In its earliest usage, it referred to an ancient type of ball used in 'Cuju,' the historical precursor to modern football, which was made of leather and stuffed with hair. Beyond this athletic connection, the character carries deeper connotations of nurturing, rearing, or bringing up a child with care and discipline. It also describes a physical posture of bowing or bending over, symbolizing humility, respect, or reverence in social interactions. In a philosophical context, it signifies dedication and meticulous attention to detail. This multifaceted meaning reflects a cultural heritage that values physical vigor, the careful nurturing of future generations, and a respectful, disciplined approach to life and social conduct, emphasizing the balance between physical strength and moral character.

How common is the surname Ju?+

The surname Ju ranks approximately #175 among all Chinese surnames.

How do you pronounce the surname 鞠?+

In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Ju. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Jyu (similar to 'Chew' but with rounded lips as in French 'tu')".

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.