Wu Surname

Surname Overview

Wu is a currently uncommon surname found among both the Han and Bai peoples, and is recorded in the Xutongzhi: Clans and Lineages.

Reference: 无姓_无姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

Two origins are given: taking the ancient state of Wu as the surname, located in Yingchuan; or deriving from the Ji surname after Zheng absorbed former Xu territory and a Zheng prince adopted Wu from the fief.

Reference: 无姓_无姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Ren-Surname Origin

Another account traces Wu to the Ren surname: Di Jun begot Yuhao of the Ren surname, followed by Dan'er, Wugu, Wuji, and Wuchang; Wugu is identified as the ancestor of the Wu surname.

Reference: 无姓_无姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Texts and Alternative Accounts

Texts also record that Wu Ze was a friend of Shun who cast himself into the Qingling abyss, identifying Wu Ze as a possible beginning of the Wu surname; another account says the surname was changed from Wuyong, Wuji, Wujun, and similar surnames.

Reference: 无姓_无姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commandery and Variant Form

The Wu surname's commandery is Jiangling, and its written form is also 鄦.

Reference: 无姓_无姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Recorded figures with the Wu surname include Wuhai, a Lu official in the Spring and Autumn period; Wu Guangzhou, who served as administrator of Nankang Circuit in the Song period; and Wu Neng, a Yangqu native who served as county magistrate of Chunhua in the Ming period.

Reference: 无姓_无姓的来源和历史_百家姓