bó Surname

Surname Overview

A Rare Surname

Bo is a relatively rare surname in current use, found among both Han and Lisu people. It is included in the surname sections of Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi.

Reference: 博姓_博姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Derived from an Ancestor's Title

One lineage is traced to Sun Yang, a Ji-surnamed man of the State of Gao in the Spring and Autumn period. Because 伯 and 博 could be used interchangeably in antiquity, some descendants adopted either Bo (伯) or Bo (博) from the ancestral title Bole.

Reference: 博姓_博姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Derived from a Place Name

One lineage originated in Bozhou of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period, where some residents adopted the name of their settlement as the surname Bo.

Reference: 博姓_博姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Derived from the Office of Boshi

One lineage derived from the official title boshi, established in the Warring States period. Some descendants used Boshi as a surname based on an ancestor's office, later shortening it to Bo after the Qin dynasty.

Reference: 博姓_博姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Clan Hall Names

Clan hall names include Luoyang Hall, Bozhou Hall, Liaodong Hall, and Beiping Hall. Bozhou Hall is also called Boshan Hall or Linzi Hall, while Beiping Hall is also called Youzhou Hall or Lulong Hall.

Reference: 博姓_博姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Bo Lao was known in the Han period for skill in evaluating horses. Bo Yanyue, from Yunhe in Zhejiang during the Ming dynasty, served as an educational instructor in Jing County, Anhui, during the Hongwu reign.

Reference: 博姓_博姓的来源和历史_百家姓