Origin and History of the Surname 伍
The surname "Wu" in Chinese, pronounced as "Wǔ", has a rich historical background. Derived from the ancient Chinese character for five, "伍", this surname is believed to have originated from an official position called "伍长" during the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC - 256 BC). The "伍长" was responsible for leading a group of five soldiers, and over time, descendants of these leaders adopted "Wu" as their surname.
Historically, there are several notable figures with the surname Wu. One famous example is Wu Zixu, a strategist and minister during the Spring and Autumn Period. He played a pivotal role in the politics of his time, assisting the King of Wu in defeating the state of Yue, avenging his father's death.
Another remarkable figure is Wu Cheng'en, a Ming Dynasty novelist best known for writing "Journey to the West", one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. This epic tale tells the journey of the Monkey King, Tang Monk, and their companions to retrieve Buddhist scriptures from the West.
In modern times, Wu Guanzhong, a renowned painter and art educator, carried the Wu surname proudly. His works are celebrated for their unique style that blends traditional Chinese painting techniques with Western artistic influences.
These individuals, among others, represent the diversity and influence of the Wu family throughout history. From ancient strategists to contemporary artists, the Wu surname stands as a testament to the enduring contributions of its bearers to Chinese culture and society.