Lù Surname

Surname Overview

The Lu surname is a rare surname in current use, pronounced lǜ or lù. The lǜ pronunciation is found in places including Wuqing in Tianjin and Taiyuan in Shanxi, while the lù pronunciation is found in Luxi, Yunnan.

Reference: 绿姓_绿姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Two Origins

One branch of the Lu surname originated from a water name, with people living beside the Lü River taking the river name as their surname. Another branch descended from Lutu, the ancient teacher of Emperor Zhuanxu.

Reference: 绿姓_绿姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The Zheng Tongzhi: Clans and Lineages records the Lu surname and states that its origins are diverse; the Xinbian Qianjiaxing also includes it.

Reference: 绿姓_绿姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Ming-Era Migration

In the early Ming period, Lu ancestors from places including Pingyang Prefecture, Hongdong County, and Zhaocheng County were ordered to relocate from the Hongdong Big Locust Tree area to other regions. By the late Qing period, their descendants were distributed in Henan, Shandong, Hebei, and elsewhere.

Reference: 绿姓_绿姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

Pronunciation and Form

The Lu surname has two pronunciations, lǜ and lù. Records for the lù pronunciation discuss Lutu and the Lü River, and describe it as a surname found among Han and Lisu communities.

Reference: 绿姓_绿姓的来源和历史_百家姓