Pu Surname

Surname Overview

The Pu surname is a multi-ethnic, multi-origin surname group. It does not rank among the top 500 surnames in mainland China and ranks 436th in Taiwan. Its recorded commanderies include Henan, Taiyuan, Liyang, and Tonghai.

Reference: 普姓分布-普姓氏分布图，分布地区 - 炎黄普氏网

Origins

Main Origins

The Pu surname has two main origins: Xianbei surnames and indigenous peoples of the southwest. After southwest Miao chieftains submitted during the Song period, many were granted the Pu surname. During the Ming and Qing periods, many Yi tusi in Yunnan bore the Pu surname; the surname is also found among Mongolian, Hui, Hani, Lahu, Tibetan, Dong, Lisu, Jingpo, and Wa peoples.

Reference: 普姓起源分布与家谱家族

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Halls

The main recorded commanderies of the Pu lineage are Henan, Taiyuan, Liyang, and Tonghai.

Reference: 普姓分布-普姓氏分布图，分布地区 - 炎黄普氏网

Migration and Distribution

Migration and Generational Names

One Pu branch in Pingyu traces its ancestors to a southward migration from Shenqiu around the late Qianlong to early Jiaqing period of the Qing dynasty, through Xiangcheng and Runan Prefecture, before settling in present-day Pingyu County. It has continued for nine generations, with "Wen" among its generational characters.

Reference: 普姓分布-普姓氏分布图，分布地区 - 炎黄普氏网

Notable People

Historical Figures

Pu Ji was a Northern Wei Inspector of Jiaozhou and Marquis of Jiaozhi, also known as Zhou Ji. Pu Gui was a native of Guizhou during the Song period. Pu De was a Yuan-period hereditary official of Shizong Prefecture in Yunnan and a General of Martial Virtue. Pu Li was an official of the Ming dynasty.

Reference: 普姓的起源与历史：探索鲜卑、彝族与文化传承-族谱新闻-族谱网

Research Notes

Limits of Documentation

The history of the Pu surname in Shenqiu is described as ancient but currently untraceable. One branch states that some members migrated from Anhui in the late Qing or early Republic period, while information about other relatives is unavailable.

Reference: 普姓分布-普姓氏分布图，分布地区 - 炎黄普氏网