The Wo Clan#

Surname: Wo, pronounced as “wò”

Distribution of the Wo Clan#

According to “Shang You Lu,” the Wo surname existed in Wuxing during the Ming Dynasty. “Xing Shui Kao Lüe” records that the Wo clan originated from Taiyuan. Wuxing Commandery was established during the Three Kingdoms period by the state of Wu, corresponding to the area from Lin'an in Zhejiang Province to Yixing in Jiangsu Province today. Taiyuan Commandery was established by the state of Qin during the Warring States period, with its administrative center at Jinyang, located in the southwest of present-day Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province.

Origin of the Wo Clan#

There are two theories about the origin of the Wo surname:

1. The Wo surname originates from the Zi family lineage. It is a descendant of King Woding of the Shang Dynasty, who took his ancestral name as his surname. King Woding was the sixth ruler of the Shang Dynasty and the son of Taijia. According to legend, Taijia was exiled to Quwo by his minister Yi Yin for neglecting state affairs. After three years of repentance, he was reinstated and worked diligently to strengthen the country. After Taijia's death, Woding succeeded him and ruled for 19 years, during which the Shang Dynasty became even more powerful. Some of Woding's descendants adopted his name, “Wo,” as their surname. The state of Song, established by descendants of the Yin people, has the same pronunciation as “Wo.”

2. Another theory suggests that the Wo surname originated from the state of Song during the Zhou Dynasty, with its members taking the name of a place. According to “Xing Shui Kao Lüe,” the ancestors of the Wo clan took the name of the region of Wozhou (the exact location is unknown today) as their surname. The prominent families of the Wo clan are located in the Quwo area of present-day Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province.

Founder of the Clan

King Woding is considered the founder of the Wo clan. There are different opinions regarding the origin of the Wo surname: some say it comes from the given name of a royal father, while others believe it is derived from a place name. These theories are supported by texts such as “Feng Su Tong,” “Ming Xian Shi Zu Yan Xing Lei Gao,” and “Shang You Lu.” Regardless of the origin, the Wo clan has a history of over 3,000 years, with its main center of proliferation being the Yangtze River basin. The prominent families of the Wo clan are located in Taiyuan Commandery (present-day Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province).

Migration and Distribution

The Wo surname is not among the top 100 surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. The Wo clan originated from the Zi family lineage. After King Woding succeeded to the throne of the Shang Dynasty, he implemented virtuous policies, bringing peace and prosperity to the people. Some of his descendants adopted the name “Wo” as their surname. There was also a region named Wozhou in ancient times, which may have contributed to the formation of the surname. During the Zhou Dynasty, descendants of King Weizi Qi of the state of Song adopted the name “Wo” as their surname.

Common Couplets for Wo Clan Ancestral Halls

Four-character Couplets for Wo Clan Ancestral Halls:

• Origin from Taiyuan; Surname derived from Woding. (Alluding to the clan's origin in Taiyuan and its founder, Woding.)
• A virtuous governor in the fields; A true immortal on Penglai Island. (Referring to historical figures such as Wo Shu from the Ming Dynasty and Wo Jun from the Han Dynasty.)

Five-character Couplets for Wo Clan Ancestral Halls:

• Praised for his governance in Neixiang; His virtues will forever be remembered in Dinghai. (Referring to the contributions of a Ming Dynasty official to Neixiang.)
• A pioneer who transformed barren lands in Wen County; A sage who achieved immortality on Penglai Island. (Alluding to the historical figures of the Wo clan.)

These couplets celebrate the achievements and legacy of the Wo clan throughout history.