The Mu Clan#

Surname: Mu, pronounced as “mù”

Distribution of the Mu Clan#

The Mu clan originated from the Hongnong Commandery, which was established in the fourth year of the Ding era during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. This commandery corresponded to the area west of Neixiang in present-day Henan Province, as well as the regions south of Shaanxi Province and Mount Hua. The administrative center of Hongnong was located in the northern part of present-day Lingbao County, Henan Province.

Origins of the Mu Clan#

There are three theories regarding the origin of the Mu surname:

1. Originating from the Spring and Autumn Period: During this period, Kang Shu, a younger brother of King Wu of Zhou and a high-ranking official of the State of Wei, was granted the fief of Mu (in the southern part of present-day Qi County, Henan Province). His descendants adopted the name of their fief as their surname, thus becoming the Mu clan. Later, the Mu clan's center of expansion became Hongnong. Hongnong was a commandery during the Han Dynasty, encompassing the areas east of present-day Luoyang, Henan Province, and east of Shang County, Shaanxi Province. The prominent families of the Mu clan resided in the Hongnong Commandery (south of present-day Lingbao County, Henan Province).

2. Originating from ancient times: It is said that after the Yellow Emperor ascended to the throne, he often struggled to find capable and virtuous officials to assist him in governing the country. One day, he dreamed that a strong wind swept away all the dirt from the earth. He also dreamed of a man who could wield a powerful crossbow that only the strongest individuals could pull, herding millions of cattle and sheep. Realizing the symbolic meaning of these dreams, the Yellow Emperor understood that someone with the surname “Feng” (Wind) and the given name “Hou” (Posterior) could govern the state, while someone with the surname “Li” (Strength) and the given name “Mu” could help manage the people and promote good governance. The Yellow Emperor ordered the search for such individuals and soon found Feng Hou by the sea and Li Mu in a marsh. He appointed them as his advisors, and under their leadership, the world was well-governed. Li Mu’s descendants adopted his name as their surname.

3. Originating from a profession: In the early Western Zhou Dynasty, there was a vassal state with the surname Ji. During the Spring and Autumn Period, some descendants of the rulers of the State of Wei made a living from animal husbandry and adopted “Mu” as their surname.

Ancestor of the Mu Clan: Li Mu is considered the progenitor of the Mu clan. According to the book “Fengsu Tong,” the Mu clan is descended from Li Mu, a minister of the Yellow Emperor. This suggests that the Mu clan has a history dating back more than 5,000 years, with Li Mu being a prominent general under the Yellow Emperor. His descendants adopted his name as their surname.

Clan Hall Names:
“Shanzhi Hall” (Hall of Good Governance): This hall is named in honor of Li Mu, who was highly skilled in governing the world.

Distribution of the Clan: The Mu clan is not among the top 100 most common surnames in either mainland China or Taiwan. In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor had two wise ministers: Feng Hou and Li Mu. Li Mu, originally from a pastoral tribe, was skilled in herding and archery and was appointed as a minister by the Yellow Emperor. His descendants continued to use “Mu” as their surname.

Notable Figures with the Surname Mu:

• Mu Zhong: A renowned sage from the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period, who was close friends with another wise figure named Le Zheng Qiu and both were good friends of Meng Xianzi.
• Mu Pi: A man from the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period who served Confucius and was known for his boldness.
• Mu Xiang: A counselor from Guangxi during the Ming Dynasty, a student of the great Neo-Confucian scholar Wang Yangming. During the Hongzhi era, Mu Xiang passed the imperial examinations and was appointed as an official in the military department in Nanjing. He was known for his straightforwardness and courage in speaking out against wrongdoing. He was later dismissed from office for criticizing the actions of officials.

The Mu clan is an ancient and enduring lineage, with its roots dating back to more than 5,000 years ago.