Wu Surname

Surname Overview

Three Origins

The origins of the Wu surname mainly form a pattern of “three origins converging,” involving the surnames Yun, Qi, and Ji.

Reference: 邬姓起源与家族史：邬氏家族三大源流、宗祠文化与历史名人-族谱网

Origins

The Yun Line

According to tradition, descendants of Qiu Yan, the fourth son of Lu Zhong, were enfeoffed at Wu during the Western Zhou and established the state of Wu; their descendants later took the state name as their surname.

Reference: 邬姓起源与家族史：邬氏家族三大源流、宗祠文化与历史名人-族谱网

The Qi and Ji Lines

During the Spring and Autumn period, the Jin official Wu Zang received Wu as his fief, and his descendants took the fief as their surname. In the late Spring and Autumn period, Sima Mimou, also known as Wu Mimou, was made grand officer of Wu County for his achievements, and his descendants took the fief as their surname.

Reference: 邬姓起源与家族史：邬氏家族三大源流、宗祠文化与历史名人-族谱网

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Ancestral Halls

Yimen Village in Xidian Town, Ninghai, Zhejiang, has a Wu ancestral hall first built during the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty; Nancun Town in Panyu, Guangdong, has the Wu grand ancestral hall Guangda Hall.

Reference: 邬姓起源与家族史：邬氏家族三大源流、宗祠文化与历史名人-族谱网

Migration and Distribution

The Wu family originated in the Yellow River basin and underwent the Yongjia southward migration, dispersal after the An Lushan Rebellion, and major strategic migrations around the end of the Song and the Yuan, resulting in distribution in places including Zhejiang and Guangdong.

Reference: 邬姓起源与家族史：邬氏家族三大源流、宗祠文化与历史名人-族谱网

Notable People

Historical Figures

Wu Tong was a Tang dynasty calligrapher skilled in cursive script; the folk-legendary image of Wu Sidao is associated with ability in handling governmental affairs and serving as an adviser.

Reference: 邬姓起源与家族史：邬氏家族三大源流、宗祠文化与历史名人-族谱网