禄姓
The Lu surname, pronounced "lù", has ancient origins from the Shang Dynasty, the official "Silu" post in the Zhou Dynasty, and place names in Yunnan. Its ancestral roots are in Fufeng Commandery, with a well-preserved lineage and generational naming system.
The Lu Family Name
Family Name: Lu, pronounced as “lù”
Distribution of the Lu Family Name
Fufeng Commandery: Fufeng Commandery was established during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty as one of the three important administrative regions (Sanfu). It was renamed Fufeng Commandery during the Wei Dynasty of the Three Kingdoms period and is located to the west of present-day Chang'an County, Shaanxi Province.
Origins of the Lu Family Name
There are three main origins for the Lu family name:
- Derived from the surname “Zi”: In ancient times, the last king of the Shang Dynasty was King Zhou. King Zhou had a son named Lufu, and later, Lufu’s grandson adopted the surname “Lu” and passed it down through generations.
- Derived from an official position: During the Zhou Dynasty, there was an official position called “Silu,” which was responsible for distributing salaries to officials. Descendants of this official took pride in this title and adopted the surname “Lu” as their own.
- Derived from place names: In Yunnan Province, there are two places named Lufeng and Lugong, which are now part of the Chuxiong Autonomous Prefecture. It is possible that the Lu family name originated from these place names.
Ancestor of the Lu Family Name: According to “Fengsu Tong,” the Lu family descended from Wuyu, a descendant of King Zhou’s son Lufu. The “Wanxing Tongpu” suggests that the Lu family name also originated from an official position during the Zhou Dynasty, with its roots in Fufeng. The role of “Silu” was related to managing official salaries, and this position was often hereditary. The Lu family’s prestigious lineage can be traced back to Fufeng Commandery (east of present-day Xianyang County, Shaanxi Province).
Migration and Distribution: The Lu family name does not rank among the top 100 most common surnames in either mainland China or Taiwan. The origin of the Lu name is linked to the Shang Dynasty; King Zhou’s son, Wugeng, was known as Lufu. After the fall of the Shang Dynasty, King Wu of Zhou appointed Wugeng to manage the remnants of the Shang people in the Yin ruins. However, Wugeng rebelled against the new regime but was killed. His descendants adopted the “Lu” surname from his given name. During the Zhou Dynasty, the official position of “Silu” was important and hereditary, leading many to adopt this surname as their own.
The Lu family has a long and distinguished history, with many notable individuals throughout history. For example, during the Tang Dynasty, there was a Tubo chieftain named Ludongzan, but he did not actually belong to the Lu family proper. During the Qing Dynasty, there was a woman named Lushi from Yunnan who was a heroic figure. The Lu family in Yunnan likely acquired their name from these place names.
The Lu family has thrived in Fufeng Commandery, and their ancestral lineage is well-preserved. They still use an ancient method to determine generations, using the ten characters: Tian (Heaven), Di (Earth), Pei, Wan, Liang, Guo, Ming, Jiu, You, Zu. For example, names such as Luzu, Luyou, and Lujiu are common. Over time, if these ten characters are used up, the cycle begins again.
Notes on the Lu Family Name: The Lu family name has a rich cultural heritage and a clear lineage that spans thousands of years. Their traditions and practices have been passed down through generations, ensuring the continued prominence of the Lu name.