鞠JuSurname
Jū
Ju (鞠) means 'to bow' or 'to rear', and also refers to a type of ball used in ancient football (cuju). It symbolizes respect and nurturing.
Jū
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#206
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Henan, Sichuan, Jiangsu
Five Element Analysis
Metal
strength, justice, and precision
Origin & History
The Ju surname has several origins. One branch came from the state of Ju during the Zhou Dynasty. Another descends from the official position 'Ju Ren' responsible for making bows. Additionally, some descendants of the legendary Emperor Yao adopted Ju as their surname.
Surname Evolution
The Ju surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Ju clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Ju surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Dunhuang, Gansu. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Dunhuang Commandery (敦煌郡) — Modern-day Dunhuang, Gansu Province
Hall Title
追远堂 (Ju Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Ju Clan Ancestral Hall in Dunhuang — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Ju family. The hall serves as a gathering place for clan descendants during traditional festivals such as Qingming and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
耕读传家，忠厚继世 — Farming and learning pass through the family; loyalty and kindness continue.
Famous People with Surname Ju
Ju Shou (鞠授) — Advisor to Yuan Shao during the Three Kingdoms period
Ju Jingyi (鞠婧祎) — Chinese singer and actress, member of SNH48
Ju Wan (鞠万) — Tang Dynasty poet known for his frontier-style poetry
Tone Compatibility
Ju (Jū) is a 1st tone (high-level) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
bright and grand
vast and auspicious
bright as the sun
Patterns to Avoid
Each digit is a tone (1=level, 2=rising, 3=dipping, 4=falling). The first is the surname tone; the next two are the given name's tones.
Example Names with Ju
Your Ju Family Legend
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What does the surname Ju mean in Chinese?
The surname Ju (鞠) means 'to bow' or 'to rear,' and also refers to a type of ball used in ancient Chinese football (cuju). It symbolizes respect, nurturing, and physical skill. The character combines the radical for 'leather' (革) with 'bent' (匊), reflecting its dual associations with craftsmanship and deference.
Where does the Ju surname originate from?
The Ju surname has multiple origins. One branch descends from the state of Ju during the Zhou Dynasty, where the ruling family adopted the name. Another origin traces back to an official position in charge of making leather balls for cuju, the ancient sport. The surname is also linked to the legendary figure Ju Tao, a minister under King Zhou of Shang.
Who are some famous people with the surname Ju?
Ju Jingyi (born 1994), Chinese singer and actress, member of the girl group SNH48; Ju Wenjun (born 1991), Chinese chess grandmaster and Women's World Chess Champion; Ju Dong (born 1985), Chinese basketball player who played in the CBA.
What given names go well with the surname Ju?
Given names that pair well with Ju often emphasize virtue or strength, such as Ju Ren (仁 'benevolence') or Ju Yi (毅 'perseverance'). Because Ju has a gentle meaning, names with assertive characters can create balance. Avoid overly soft names to maintain a dignified tone.