Zhu
Zhū
Zhu (朱) means 'vermilion' or 'cinnabar red,' a color associated with nobility, luck, and vitality in Chinese culture. It symbolizes imperial power, as it was used in royal garments and architecture. The surname conveys prestige, passion, and historical significance.
Population Ranking
#15
Estimated Over 6 million people
Geographic Distribution
Jiangsu, Hebei, Shandong
Five Element Attribute
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The Zhu surname originated from the ancient state of Zhu during the Zhou Dynasty, with rulers and their descendants adopting it. It also comes from the Cao (曹) surname and from the royal family of the Ming Dynasty. Some branches developed from ethnic minorities who sinicized their names.
Surname Evolution
The Zhu surname originated from the State of Zhu during the Zhou Dynasty. The surname gained imperial status when Zhu Yuanzhang founded the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE). The Zhu clan is particularly concentrated in Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
Commandery
Pei Commandery (沛国) — Modern-day Xuzhou area, Jiangsu Province
Hall Title
紫阳堂 (Ziyang Hall)
Ancestral Hall
Zhu Clan Ancestral Hall in Pei County, Jiangsu — Linked to Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The hall displays Ming-era artifacts.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
沛国世泽，紫阳家声 — The Peiguo heritage; the Ziyang scholarly tradition.
Famous People Named Zhu
Zhu Yuanzhang (朱元璋) — Founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, known as the Hongwu Emperor
Zhu Xi (朱熹) — Song Dynasty Confucian philosopher and key figure in Neo-Confucianism
Zhu De (朱德) — Military leader and one of the founders of the People's Liberation Army