巫Wu
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.
What does the Chinese surname Wu (Wū) 巫 mean?
巫 Wu (Wū) is the #9 most common Chinese surname with approximately Over 28 million people. 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.
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 巫 clan
朱文印 (Yang seal) — 巫
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.
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 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
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 (Wū) is a 1st tone (high-level) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
- 1-2-4
- 1-3-4
- 1-2-2
Patterns to Avoid
- 1-1-1 (flat monotone)
- 1-4-4 (too harsh)
Example Names with Wu
Your Wu Family Legend
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname 巫 Wu mean in Chinese?
巫 Wu (Wū) is the #9 most common Chinese 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.
Where does the 巫 Wu surname originate from?
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.
Who are some famous people with the surname 巫 Wu?
Notable people include 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.
How many people have the surname 巫 Wu in China?
The surname Wu is ranked #9 in China with approximately Over 28 million people. Guangdong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang