鲁
Traditional: 魯
Lu
Pronounced like: "Loo"
Other Spellings: Loo, Lo, Ro, Lǔ
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Lu Family Name
L'origine principale du nom de famille Lu est liée à la lignée royale de la dynastie des Zhou occidentaux. Le roi Wu de Zhou a accordé le territoire de Lu (actuel Qufu, Shandong) à son frère cadet, le duc de Zhou (Ji Dan), en reconnaissance de ses immenses contributions à l'État. Bien que le duc soit resté à la capitale pour assister le roi, son fils aîné, Bo Qin, se rendit au fief et devint le premier dirigeant de l'État de Lu. Cet État dura près de 800 ans jusqu'à son annexion par l'État de Chu en 256 av. J.-C. pendant la période des Royaumes combattants. Après la chute de leur État, les membres de la famille régnante et de nombreux sujets adoptèrent le nom de leur ancienne patrie, 'Lu', comme nom de famille.
What Does the Chinese Surname Lu Mean?
Le nom de famille 'Lu' (鲁) revêt plusieurs dimensions de signification. Étymologiquement, le caractère est composé d'éléments représentant un 'poisson' et un 'récipient' ou une 'bouche', suggérant originellement quelque chose de savoureux ou de substantiel. En chinois moderne, il peut signifier 'brusque' ou 'simple', mais son poids historique provient de l'État de Lu, l'un des États les plus importants sur le plan culturel de la Chine ancienne. Situé dans l'actuelle province du Shandong, il fut le lieu de naissance de Confucius et un centre de rituels et d'érudition. En tant que nom de famille, il signifie un héritage lié à ce berceau de la civilisation confucéenne, incarnant les vertus d'honnêteté, de simplicité et de raffinement culturel.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Lu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Loo | Hokkien/Teochew |
| Lo | Cantonese |
| Ro | Korean |
| Ro | Japanese |
| Lǔ | Pinyin |
Famous People With the Surname Lu
1. Lu Ban: Un ingénieur civil, inventeur et charpentier légendaire de la période des Printemps et Automnes, vénéré comme le saint patron des bâtisseurs et artisans chinois.
2. Lu Su: Un diplomate et stratège militaire éminent de l'État d'Eastern Wu pendant la période des Trois Royaumes, connu pour son rôle dans la bataille de la Falaise rouge.
3. Lu Xun: Le nom de plume de Zhou Shuren, figure de proue de la littérature chinoise moderne au XXe siècle, qui a adopté le nom de famille de sa mère 'Lu' pour ses œuvres.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 鲁 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 (鲁) mean?+
The surname 'Lu' (鲁) carries several layers of significance. Etymologically, the character is composed of components representing 'fish' and a 'vessel' or 'mouth,' originally suggesting something tasty or substantial. In modern Chinese, it can mean 'rash' or 'simple,' but its historical weight comes from the State of Lu, one of the most culturally significant states in ancient China. Located in modern-day Shandong Province, it was the birthplace of Confucius and a center of ritual and learning. As a surname, it signifies a heritage linked to this cradle of Confucian civilization, embodying virtues of honesty, simplicity, and cultural refinement. It is often associated with the 'Lu school' of thought and the historical preservation of Zhou Dynasty rites, representing a deep connection to China's classical philosophical roots.
How common is the surname Lu?+
The surname Lu ranks approximately #115 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 鲁?+
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.