茹姓
The Ru surname, of diverse Xianbei and Rouran tribal origins, migrated from northern tribes to central China, with ancestral roots in Henan. It is historically notable through figures like General Ru Hao and is not among the top 100 Chinese surnames.
The Ru Family Name
Family Name: Ru, Pronounced: rú
Distribution of the Ru Family Name
- He Nei County: Established during the Chu-Han period, corresponding to the area around Wuxu County on the north bank of the Yellow River in present-day Henan Province.
- Henan County: Established during the reign of Emperor Gao of Han, corresponding to the Luoyang area in present-day Henan Province.
Origins of the Ru Family Name
There are three theories regarding the origin of the "Ru" surname:
- From the ancient Rouran tribe: During the Northern Wei dynasty, the Yujuliu clan founded the Rouran state, with its leader known as the Chuke Khan. The Rouran state was also called Rurur or Ruru, originating from the Donghu people, a nomadic tribe that lived in the Yinshan region. When the Rouran tribe was defeated by the Turks, many of their descendants adopted the name Ruru as their surname. Some of them moved to the Central Plains and adopted the Ru surname.
- From the "Ru" clan: In the Han dynasty, there was a person named Ruchun; his descendants added the character for "grass" (草) to the "Ru" character to form the Ru surname.
- From the Xianbei people: During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, there was a clan named Pulu Ru (also written as Pulu Ru or Pulu Ru) from the Later Wei dynasty. After moving to the Central Plains, they changed their surname to Ru.
Ancestor of the Ru Family Name
According to historical records, the Ru surname originates from the ancient Northern Di tribe known as Rurur. The "Tongzhi·Shizhu Lue" states that the Rurur people migrated to China and adopted the Ru surname, with their ancestral home being Henan. In addition to the Rurur lineage, there was another external clan, the Pulu Ru, which also changed their surname to Ru; the "Henan Guanshi Zhi" records that "the Pulu Ru clan inevitably changed their surname to Ru."
Migration and Distribution
The Ru surname does not rank among the top 100 most common surnames in both mainland China and Taiwan. Among the nomadic Xianbei people before the Northern Wei dynasty, there was the Pulu Ru clan, whose descendants simplified their surname to Ru, marking the earliest origin of the Ru surname. Another clan, the Rouran people, also migrated to the Central Plains and established the Rouran state, adopting the name Ruru or Ru as their surname.
Hall Names associated with the Ru Family Name
- Zhong Yang Tang: During the Tang dynasty, there was a man named Rurong who lost his father at a young age and was extremely filial to his mother. When he began working as a minor official in the county, the county magistrate gave him a melon to take home for his mother. After returning to the office, he explained his actions to the magistrate, who praised his filial conduct and continued to pay him his monthly salary.
Common couplets for Ru family ancestral halls:
- Four-character couplets: "Originating from He Nei; descending from the Rouran." (Alluding to the family's historical roots in He Nei County and its connection to the Rouran tribe.)
- Couplets: "Matching the dignity of a Wei tiger; surpassing the elegance of a Qi marten." (Referencing the deeds of Ru Hao and Ru Faliang from the Northern and Southern Dynasties.)
Notable individuals with the Ru surname:
- Ru Fazhen: A favorite minister of the Eastern Duke of the Southern Qi dynasty, who, along with Mei Chong'er, caused chaos in the state and was eventually executed by Xiao Yan.
- Ru Hao: A renowned general of the Later Wei dynasty, known for his martial skills, knowledge of etiquette, and humility, who was highly esteemed by the court.
- Ru Zhan: A man from the Northern Qi dynasty who was appointed as an imperial censor and was praised for his integrity.
- Ru Hong: A famous painter and calligrapher of the Ming dynasty whose skills in regular script became famous throughout the capital.
- Ru Xiaobiao: A man from the Song dynasty who was known for his integrity and dedication to learning, and who served as the governor of Jiangzhou.
- Ru Baobao: A top scholar of the Qing dynasty who served as the Minister of War and had a collection of poems.
- Ru Fangzhen: A prominent official of the Ming dynasty who played a key role in the government and was well-regarded for his governance.
The Ru family name has a rich historical background and diverse origins, reflecting the cultural and historical complexities of China's diverse ethnic groups.