Shou Family Name#

Family Name: Shou, Pronounced: Shòu

Distribution of the Shou Family Name#

According to “Junwang Baijiaxing” (The Prefectures and Hundred Family Names), the Shou family originated from Jingzhao Commandery. Jingzhao Commandery was the direct jurisdiction of the capital, Chang'an, which corresponds to the area from present-day Xi'an to Huaxian in Shaanxi Province.

Origin of the Shou Family Name#

There are two theories about the origin of the Shou family name:

1. The family name stems from the Jin dynasty, originating from the Ji surname. Zhou Zhang, a great-grandson of Prince Zhongyong of Zhou, lived in the state of Wu. After King Wu of Zhou conquered the Shang dynasty, he granted Zhou Zhang land and established the state of Wu as a vassal of the Zhou dynasty. During the reign of Zhou Zhang’s 14th-generation descendant, Shou Meng, Wu became a powerful state. Shou Meng was known as the King of Wu and fought against other states. Some of Shou Meng’s descendants adopted their ancestor’s name as their own, thus forming the Shou family name.

2. Another theory suggests that the Shou family descended from Peng Zu. According to “Lushi,” Peng Zu was a famous long-lived figure who lived for over 800 years. His descendants adopted the character “Shou” as their surname in his honor, leading to the formation of another branch of the Shou family.

The prominent Shou family lived in Jingzhao (east of present-day Chang'an, Shaanxi Province).

Ancestor of the Shou Family: Shou Meng

The Shou surname is relatively rare. According to the book “Fengsu Tong,” it is a descendant of King Shou Meng of Wu. King Shou Meng was an outstanding ruler of Wu during the late Spring and Autumn period and was the 14th-generation descendant of Zhou Zhang, the founder of the state of Wu. Descendants of Shou Meng revered him as the ancestor of the Shou family.

Migration and Distribution

The Shou family name does not rank among the top 100 in the list of common family names in mainland China or Taiwan. The Shou family originated from the Ji surname. Initially, the state of Wu was weak during the Spring and Autumn period. However, under the rule of Shou Meng, the state became powerful through effective governance and the annexation of surrounding small kingdoms. Some members of the Wu royal family adopted the name “Shou” as their surname, which is the origin of the modern Shou family.

There is another theory regarding the origin of the Shou family: In ancient times, there was a man named Peng Zu, a famous long-lived figure. His descendants adopted the character “Shou” as their surname to honor him.

To understand the glorious history of the Shou family, one must begin with Gu Gong Bing, the grandfather of King Wen of Zhou. When King Wen of Zhou was born, auspicious signs appeared in the sky, indicating that he would be a great leader for the Zhou dynasty. Gu Gong Bing’s sons, Taibo and Zhongyong, wanted to fulfill their father’s hopes and pass on the family legacy to King Wen. They tattooed their bodies and cut their hair, then went into exile in the southern regions to live a quiet life. Their noble character deeply moved the local people, who followed them and established a new community there. Taibo is considered the ancestor of the Wu family in the south. Shou Zhang, a descendant of Zhongyong, also belonged to the Shou family and lived in Jingzhao Commandery.

Hall Names

Jiesu Hall: During the Jin dynasty, Shou Liang studied the three commentaries on the “Spring and Autumn Annals” (Zuo Zhuan, Gongyang Zhuan, and Guliang Zhuan). He was known for constantly striving to correct his own mistakes and maintain purity and integrity. He served as the governor of Taiping Prefecture and later as the inner historian of the Qin state. Recommended by the court, he was appointed as a court official and eventually rose to high positions.

Common Couplets for the Shou Family Ancestral Hall

• Four-character Couplets for the Shou Family Ancestral Hall:
  • “Famous in the dominant state; the family lineage extends to Yanling.” This couplet refers to King Shou Meng of Wu, the 17th-generation descendant of Taibo, the founder of Wu. After ascending to the throne, Wu became powerful.
  • “Chanting about scenic spots; investigating and exorcising ghosts and spirits.” This couplet refers to the monk Shou Ning of the Yuan dynasty, who was known for his ability to exorcise spirits.

These couplets highlight the rich history and cultural significance of the Shou family.