沃WoSurname
Wò
Wo (沃) means 'fertile' or 'irrigate', symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and nourishment. It is a rare surname, often associated with fertile lands.
Wò
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#379
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Sichuan, Zhejiang, Guangdong
Five Element Analysis
Fire
passion, energy, and leadership
Origin & History
The Wo surname originated from the ancient state of Wo during the Shang Dynasty. It is also derived from the place name Wo, where the land was fertile. Some bearers are descendants of the Shang royal family.
Surname Evolution
The Wo surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Wo clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Wo surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Yantai area, Shandong. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Donglai Commandery (东莱郡) — Modern-day Yantai area, Shandong Province
Hall Title
世德堂 (Wo Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Wo Clan Ancestral Hall in Donglai — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Wo 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
勤俭传家,耕读继世 — Diligence and thrift pass through the family; farming and learning continue.
Famous People with Surname Wo
Wo Ding (沃丁) — Shang Dynasty king
Wo Yuan (沃原) — Ming Dynasty scholar
Wo Long (沃龙) — Qing Dynasty poet
Tone Compatibility
Wo (Wò) is a 4th tone (falling) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and bright
bright and peaceful
vast as ocean and 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 Wo
Your Wo Family Legend
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What does the surname Wo mean in Chinese?
The surname Wo (沃) means 'fertile' or 'irrigate', symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and nourishment. It is a rare surname, often associated with fertile lands. The character conveys richness and growth.
Where does the Wo surname originate from?
The Wo surname originated from the ancient state of Wo during the Shang Dynasty, located in present-day Shanxi province. It is also derived from the place name Wo, a region known for its fertile soil. Some bearers are descendants of officials in charge of irrigation.
Who are some famous people with the surname Wo?
Notable people with the surname Wo include: Wo Xing, a Chinese politician during the Ming Dynasty; Wo Jian, a contemporary Chinese artist; and Wo Lei, a Chinese scientist known for agricultural research.
What given names go well with the surname Wo?
Given names that pair well with Wo often evoke abundance and prosperity, such as Wo Feng (abundant) or Wo Sheng (life). Names suggesting nourishment, like Wo Yu (rain) or Wo Lin (forest), complement the surname's meaning of fertility.