巫WuSurname
Wū
Wu (巫) means 'shaman' or 'witch'. As a surname, it is ancient and linked to spiritual practices. It often denotes a family with a history of shamanic or ritual roles.
Wū
Mainland China · Taiwan
Ng
Guangdong · Hong Kong
Goo
Fujian · Taiwan · SE Asia
Ngu
Meizhou · Taiwan · SE Asia
Population Ranking
#9
Estimated Over 28 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Guangdong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang
Five Element Analysis
Wood
growth, vitality, and kindness
Origin & History
The Wu surname originated from the ancient profession of shaman (巫). During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, shamans held important positions in court rituals. Descendants of these shamans adopted Wu as their surname. Another origin is from the state of Wu in ancient China.
Surname Evolution
The Wu surname originated from the State of Wu (c. 1200–473 BCE) in the Yangtze River Delta. After the state fell to Yue, its people adopted Wu as their surname. The Wu clan gained immense prestige when Wu Zetian became China's only female emperor (690–705 CE). The surname remains highly concentrated in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
Commandery
Yanling Commandery (延陵郡) — Modern-day Changzhou area, Jiangsu Province
Hall Title
延陵堂 (Yanling Hall)
Ancestral Hall
Wu Clan Ancestral Hall in Yanling, Jiangsu — Honoring Wu Zixu, the legendary statesman of the State of Wu. The hall preserves ancient ritual vessels and clan genealogies.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
延陵世泽，让国家风 — The Yanling heritage; the tradition of yielding the throne continues.
Famous People with Surname Wu
Wu Xian (巫咸) — Legendary shaman-minister of the Shang Dynasty
Wu Zixu (巫子胥) — Note: this is 伍子胥, not 巫; correct: Wu Fuyuan (巫福缘) — Ming Dynasty scholar
Wu Jialu (巫家禄) — Modern Chinese businessman and philanthropist
Wu Gang (巫刚) — Contemporary Chinese actor
Tone Compatibility
Wu (Wū) 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 Wu
Your Wu Family Legend
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What does the surname Wu mean in Chinese?
The surname Wu (巫) means 'shaman' or 'witch'. As a surname, it is ancient and linked to spiritual practices. It often denotes a family with a history of shamanic or ritual roles. The character depicts two persons dancing with jade (玉), symbolizing ritual dance and communication with spirits.
Where does the Wu surname originate from?
The Wu surname originated from the ancient profession of shaman (巫). During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, shamans held high status as intermediaries between heaven and earth. The surname was later adopted by descendants of these shamans. Another origin is from the state of Wu (巫) in the Spring and Autumn period.
Who are some famous people with the surname Wu?
Wu Zixu (伍子胥), a famous general and statesman of the Wu State; Wu Cheng'en (吴承恩), author of 'Journey to the West'; Wu Daozi (吴道子), a Tang dynasty painter; Wu Yi (吴仪), former Vice Premier of China.
What given names go well with the surname Wu?
Given names that pair well with Wu often evoke mystery, wisdom, or spirituality. Names like Wu Ling (巫灵, 'shamanic spirit'), Wu Xuan (巫玄, 'mysterious shaman'), or Wu Zhi (巫智, 'shamanic wisdom') are fitting. Avoid overly modern or secular names to maintain the surname's ancient aura.