Surname Overview
A Rare Surname
Wu (Wú) is a relatively rare surname in current use, found among both Han and Lisu people.
Wu Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 64Wu / Wu
Origins
Descent from the Ji-surnamed Kunwu
The Wu surname is traced to the Ji clan and the descendants of Kunwu, a feudal lord of the Xia period. It was adopted from the name of the state, whose territory is identified with Puyang County.
Historical Records
Historical Attestations
Recorded bearers include Wu Hu of the Han dynasty, Wu Can of Eastern Wu, Wu Yan, governor of Jianping in the Jin dynasty, and Wu Jin of Kaihua in the Ming dynasty.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commandery and Hall
The surname's ancestral commandery is Puyang, and its hall name is Kunyuan Hall.
Migration and Distribution
Quzhou Lineage and Migration
In the Song dynasty, Wu Wei served as governor of Sanqu and was regarded as the first ancestor of the Sanqu Wu lineage. His descendants settled in Wuchuan and Shijing in Kaihua, with later branches moving to Tangyin, Badi, urban Quzhou, Chengguan, Wenshan, the Yang family settlement at Fangcun, and Haiyan.
Notable People
Wu Can of Eastern Wu
Wu Can, courtesy name Kongxiu, was from Wucheng in Wu Commandery. He served as magistrate of Shanyin, staff colonel, governor of Kuaiji, General of the Household Who Illustriously Upholds Righteousness, and grand tutor to the crown prince. After opposing the replacement of Crown Prince Sun He with Sun Ba, he was falsely accused, imprisoned, and executed.
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Surname attestation references
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