Surname Overview
Overview of the Wu Surname
The Wu surname is an ancient and populous surname, ranking sixth in the Hundred Family Surnames.
Wu Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 23,622,133Wu / Wu
Origins
The Main Ji-Origin Line
A major line of the Wu surname originated from the Ji surname, took the state of Wu as its surname, and regards Taibo as its founding ancestor.
Historical Records
Historical Record
The Records of the Grand Historian includes The Hereditary House of Wu Taibo as the first hereditary house; Confucius praised Taibo for possessing the highest virtue.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies and Hall Names
A prominent commandery associated with the Wu surname is Yanling Commandery; hall names include Yanling Hall, Zhidu Hall, Rangde Hall, Sanrang Hall, and Yuanyuan Hall.
Migration and Distribution
The Wu surname underwent long-term migration from Jiangnan to the Central Plains, Fujian and Zhejiang, Lingnan, Taiwan, and overseas, forming a modern distribution pattern described as south-centered, with northern roots and overseas growth.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Historical figures bearing the Wu surname include the Warring States military and political thinker Wu Qi, the Tang painter Wu Daozi, the Ming writer Wu Cheng'en, and the Qing writer Wu Jingzi.
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