Wu Surname

Surname Overview

Overview and Distribution

The surname Wu is pronounced wū. It is relatively uncommon and geographically widespread but small in number, occurring among Han, Mongol, Bai, Tujia, and other ethnic groups.

Reference: 乌姓_乌姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Three Principal Origins

The surname has three principal lines: an Ying-line derived from the bird-named Wuniao clan under Shaohao, a Si-line derived from descendants of King Goujian who lived at Wucheng, and non-Han lines including Xiongnu, Xianbei, and people of the Wuluohou state.

Reference: 乌姓起源分布与家谱家族

Multiethnic Surname Adoption

Some Mongol Ulianghai clans adopted Wu from the first sound of their clan name. Members of Manchu Eight Banner clans such as Ujara and Ukuri also adopted Wu, and the surname occurs among Yi, Mongol, Hui, and other peoples.

Reference: 乌姓_乌姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Historical Textual Records

Zheng Qiao recorded a Ji-line origin in which Shaohao named an office after the wuniao bird, producing the Wu clan. The Treatise on Official Clans in the Book of Wei records that the Wushilan clan changed its surname to Wu.

Reference: 乌姓_乌姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Name

Wu clan commandery associations include Zhangye, Yingchuan, Runan, and Poyang. Its Yimu Hall takes its name from the posthumous title Yimu granted to the Tang figure Wu Chongyin.

Reference: 乌姓_乌姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Historical bearers of the surname include Wu Yu, a Qi official in the Spring and Autumn period; Wu Chengen and Wu Chongyin of the Tang; Wu Zhen, military governor of Ningguo under the Later Tang; and the Ming figures Wu Sidao and Wu Benliang.

Reference: 乌姓_乌姓的来源和历史_百家姓