The Bu Clan#

Clan Name: Bu, pronounced as "bù"

Distribution of the Bu Clan#

According to "Shi Xing Kao Lüe" and "Jun Wang Bai Jia Xing," the Bu clan originated from Pingyang. Pingyang Commandery was established in the eighth year of the Zhengshi era of the Wei Dynasty during the Three Kingdoms period, by separating a part of Hedong Commandery; its administrative center was located in Pingyang County (now southwest of Linfen County, Shanxi Province).

Origin of the Bu Clan#

The Bu surname has two possible origins:

1. It originates from the Ji clan, named after a fiefdom. During the Spring and Autumn period, a high-ranking official of the Jin state named Shu Hu had three sons: Cheng, Rui, and Yi. Yi's son, Yang, was granted the fiefdom of Bu, and thus the family took the name Bu Yang. Their descendants adopted this surname.
2. It also originates from a three-character surname of the Xianbei tribe in the north. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Xianbei tribe's Bu Lugen clan gradually integrated with Han culture and later changed their surname to Bu.

Ancestor of the Bu Clan

The ancestor of the Bu clan is Bu Yang. The Bu surname was derived from the Ji clan, named after the fiefdom of Bu. During the Spring and Autumn period, Gu Bao, a noble official of the Jin state, had three sons: Cheng, Rui, and Yi. Yi's son, Yang, was granted the fiefdom of Bu, and their descendants adopted the surname Bu.

Migration and Distribution

The Bu clan is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. The Bu clan traces its origins to the noble family of the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period and took its name from the location of the fiefdom. According to ancient texts such as "Yuan He Xing Zuan" and "Qian Fu Lun," it is mentioned that a Jin official named Que Bu Yang's ancestors lived in the area of Bu. Later, they adopted the name of their ancestral fiefdom as their surname. The Bu clan originated in Shandong and quickly spread south, reaching areas south of the Yangtze River in Jiangsu. During the Three Kingdoms period, they established a strong foundation in the regions controlled by Wu. There were also Bu clans in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period. Approximately 2,500 years ago, one of Confucius' disciples, Bu Shu Cheng, was from the state of Qi (present-day Shandong). Another branch of the Bu clan, according to "Yuan He Xing Zuan," originated from the Que clan. Additionally, the "Wei Shu·Guan Shi Zhi" records that the Bu Lugen clan changed their surname to the single-character surname Bu.

Hall Names of the Bu Clan

• Lin Xiang Tang (Hall of Linxiang)
• Kuan Hong Tang (Hall of Magnanimity): During the Three Kingdoms period, Bu She from the state of Wu was known for his generosity. He lived in seclusion in Jiangdong, grew melons for self-sufficiency, and devoted himself to reading and studying various arts. When Sun Quan learned of his abilities, he appointed him as the General Who Subdues the Barbarians, later promoted him to Chief Clerk, and granted him the title of Marquis of Linxiang. After Sun Quan became emperor, he was appointed as the Grand General of the Cavalry. Bu She recommended and supported many people, helped those in need, and led a simple life, just like an ordinary scholar.

Common Couplets for the Bu Clan Ancestral Hall

Four-character Couplets for the Bu Clan Ancestral Hall

• Originating from Bu Yi; Rising from Pingyang. —— Anonymous
• Far-sighted strategies; Utmost loyalty to the state. —— Anonymous
• Generous and magnanimous; Respected both inside and outside. —— Anonymous

Six-character Couplets for the Bu Clan Ancestral Hall

• The Bu clan supports the holy path; The Prime Minister of Wu remained like a scholar. —— Anonymous
• With a peaceful mind and composed demeanor; Living a simple life, embodying the elegance of a statesman. —— Anonymous
• Proficient in divination; Admiring the wisdom of Shu Xiong. —— Anonymous
• Living a simple life, embodying the integrity of a minister. —— Anonymous

Seven-character Couplets for the Bu Clan Ancestral Hall

• Stepping steadily towards greatness; Reaping the rewards of hard work. —— Anonymous
• With a peaceful and contented mind; Living in elegance. —— Anonymous