伍Wu
Wǔ
Wu (伍) means 'five' or 'a unit of five soldiers' and also refers to the ancient state of Wu. It represents order and military organization. The surname is moderately common.
What does the Chinese surname Wu (Wǔ) 伍 mean?
伍 Wu (Wǔ) is the #9 most common Chinese surname with approximately Over 28 million people. Wu (伍) means 'five' or 'a unit of five soldiers' and also refers to the ancient state of Wu. It represents order and military organization. The surname is moderately common.
Population Ranking
#9
Estimated Over 28 million people
Geographic Distribution
Guangdong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang
Five Element Attribute
Wood
growth, vitality, and kindness
The ancient totem of 伍 clan
朱文印 (Yang seal) — 伍
Origin & History
The Wu surname originated from the state of Wu (伍国) during the Spring and Autumn period, located in present-day Hubei. It also comes from the Mi (芈) surname of the Chu state, where descendants of officials named Wu were granted the surname.
Geographic Distribution
Guangdong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang
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 Named Wu
Wu Zixu (伍子胥) — famous general and statesman of the Wu state
Wu Tingfang (伍廷芳) — late Qing diplomat and politician
Wu Zhu (伍柱) — contemporary Chinese physicist
Wu Zetian (武则天) — The only female emperor in Chinese history
Wu Cheng'en (吴承恩) — Author of Journey to the West
Tone Compatibility
Wu (Wǔ) is a 3rd tone (dipping) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
- 3-1-2
- 3-2-4
- 3-4-2
Patterns to Avoid
- 3-3-3 (three dips)
- 3-1-1 (abrupt)
Example Names with Wu
Your Wu Family Legend
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname 伍 Wu mean in Chinese?
伍 Wu (Wǔ) is the #9 most common Chinese surname. Wu (伍) means 'five' or 'a unit of five soldiers' and also refers to the ancient state of Wu. It represents order and military organization. The surname is moderately common.
Where does the 伍 Wu surname originate from?
The Wu surname originated from the state of Wu (伍国) during the Spring and Autumn period, located in present-day Hubei. It also comes from the Mi (芈) surname of the Chu state, where descendants of officials named Wu were granted the surname.
Who are some famous people with the surname 伍 Wu?
Notable people include Wu Zixu (伍子胥) — famous general and statesman of the Wu state, Wu Tingfang (伍廷芳) — late Qing diplomat and politician, Wu Zhu (伍柱) — contemporary Chinese physicist.
How many people have the surname 伍 Wu in China?
The surname Wu is ranked #9 in China with approximately Over 28 million people. Guangdong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang