Explore the historical origins of Chinese surnames

Surname Story

Origin and History of the Surname 毋

Sure, I’d be happy to tell you about the Chinese surname “Wu” (毋) and provide some historical figures with this surname.

The surname "Wu" (毋) is relatively rare in China, but it carries a rich historical background. According to historical records, this surname originated from an ancient state during the Zhou Dynasty called Wu Yi (毋邑). Over time, descendants of the people from this region took "Wu" as their surname, forming a unique lineage.

In terms of historical figures with the surname "Wu", one notable individual is Wu Qiu (毋丘俭), a military general during the Three Kingdoms period. He was known for his bravery and strategic prowess, playing a significant role in various military campaigns.

Another famous figure is Wu Yan (毋煚), a scholar and librarian during the Tang Dynasty. He made significant contributions to the preservation and cataloguing of ancient books, leaving a lasting impact on Chinese librarianship and bibliography.

These are just two examples of prominent individuals with the surname "Wu". While this surname may not be as common as others, it holds a special place in Chinese history and culture.