The Zhu Family Name#

Family Name: Zhu, Pronunciation: zhú

Distribution of the Zhu Family Name#

Donghai Commandery: During the Han Dynasty, Donghai Commandery was located in the area around present-day Tancheng, Shandong Province. In the Eastern Wei, Sui, and Tang dynasties, Donghai Commandery corresponded to the area east of present-day Donghai County, Jiangsu Province, and north of the Huai River.

Origin of the Zhu Family Name#

The Zhu family name has two origins:

1. It originates from the "Zhu" surname, which was derived from the name of a state. Later, it was changed to Zhu Sheng. During the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, there was a state called Guzhu. In the Spring and Autumn period, descendants of the rulers of Guzhu, Bo Yi and Shu Qi, adopted the name of their state as their surname. During the Han Dynasty, a man from Zongyang named Zhu Yan changed his surname to Zhu to avoid enemies, and this name has been used ever since.
2. The name also has a foreign origin, stemming from ancient India. According to records in “Xing Yuan” and “Han Shu·Xi Yu Chuan,” ancient India was known as Tianzhu. Buddhist monks from Tianzhu came to China to spread their teachings and adopted the name “Zhu” as their surname. Some Chinese monks who studied with these Indian monks also adopted their surname. It is generally believed that Zhu Ci during the reign of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty was the progenitor of the Zhu family name in China.

Progenitor of the Family Name

Zhu Ci: When mentioning the name “Zhu,” people often think of the ancient state of Tianzhu. Indeed, the Zhu family name in China has a deep connection with Tianzhu, with a history of about 2,000 years. “Tianzhu” is an ancient name for India, also known as Tiandu or Shendu. Chinese people with the surname Zhu, coming from ancient India, have a rich cultural background that is no less significant than that of those with local surnames. The first ancestor of the Zhu family name in China was Zhu Ci, who came to China as an envoy during the reign of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty.

Migration and Distribution

The Zhu family name does not rank among the top 100 surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. The Zhu and Zhu (another common surname) share the same origin. According to legend, during the time of King Tang of the Shang Dynasty, Yu enfeoffed the descendants of the Yan Emperor, the Moyi family, in the state of Guzhu (south of present-day Lulong County, Hebei Province). Descendants of the rulers of Guzhu adopted the name of their state as their surname. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhu Yan, a marquis from Zongyang, believed that the Zhu surname originated from two virtuous men from Guzhu, Bo Yi and Shu Qi (who refused to eat food provided by corrupt officials and died of starvation on Mount Shouyang). He added the character “er” (two) to the character “zhu,” creating the surname “Zhu.” In ancient times, India was called Tianzhu, and Buddhist monks who came to China to spread their teachings adopted the name “Zhu” as their surname. Some Chinese monks who studied with these Indian monks also adopted their surname. Zhu Ci is commonly regarded as the progenitor of the Zhu family name in China.

Genealogical Notes

The first ancestor of the Zhu family name in China was Zhu Ci, who came to China during the reign of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty.

Migration and Spread

The Zhu family name is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. The Zhu family name shares the same origin as another common surname, “Zhu.” It is said that during the time of King Tang of the Shang Dynasty, Yu enfeoffed the descendants of the Yan Emperor, the Moyi family, in the state of Guzhu (south of present-day Lulong County, Hebei Province). Descendants of the rulers of Guzhu adopted the name of their state as their surname. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhu Yan, a marquis from Zongyang, believed that the Zhu surname originated from two virtuous men from Guzhu, Bo Yi and Shu Qi. Some Chinese monks who studied with these Indian monks also adopted their surname. Zhu Ci is generally considered the progenitor of the Zhu family name in China.

Hall Names

• Zongyang Hall: During the Han Dynasty, Zhu Yan was the Marquis of Zongyang. Since the Zhu family name originated from his surname, this hall name was chosen to honor his title.
• Huaxiang Hall: During the Song Dynasty, Zhu Danian was a disciple of Shen Huan. He was known for his serious and dignified demeanor and his expertise in the study of rituals, influencing the people of his community.

Common Couplets for Zhu Family Ancestral Temples

Four-character Couplets for Zhu Family Ancestral Temples

• “Zhu’s door welcomes visitors with peace; even the stubborn stones nod in respect.” This couplet refers to Zhu Fashen, a Buddhist monk from the Jin Dynasty who lived in Kuaiji. When asked why he always visited noble residences, he replied, “To me, they are like thatched cottages.”
• “The Zhu family traces its origins to Donghai Commandery and the state of Guzhu.” This couplet highlights the historical roots of the Zhu family name.
• “The Zhu ruler brought good omens; the teachings of the Zhu monks spread far and wide.” This couplet emphasizes the influence of Zhu monks in Chinese history.

Five-character Couplets for Zhu Family Ancestral Temples

• “The Zhu family has a prestigious lineage in Donghai Commandery; its roots lie in the state of Guzhu.” This couplet describes the family’s historical