The Zhuge Clan#

Surname: Zhuge, pronounced: zhū gě

Distribution of the Zhuge Clan#

The Zhuge clan originated in the commandery of Langya, which was established during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This area corresponds to the present-day districts of Zhucheng, Linyi, and Jiaonan in Shandong Province.

Origins of the Zhuge Clan#

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

1. The Zhuge surname may have arisen from the Ge surname. It is said that after the state of Ge, a descendant of Boyi, was destroyed, a branch of the Ge people who lived in the commandery of Langya migrated to Yangdu. Since the Ge surname already existed in Yangdu, they adopted the Zhuge surname to distinguish themselves from the local population.
2. Another theory suggests that the Zhuge surname originated from the Xiong surname, which was later changed to Zhuge. During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a family surnamed Xiong in the state of Qi. This family adopted the compound surname "Zhan-Ge," but over time, it was mispronounced as "Zhuge."
3. The Zhuge surname could also have been granted as an honor. During the uprising led by Chen Sheng and Wu Guang at the end of the Qin dynasty, a general named Ge Ying made significant military contributions but was killed due to slander. Emperor Wen of the Western Han dynasty granted Ge Ying's grandson the title of Marquis of Zhucheng, and his descendants adopted the Zhuge surname.

Ancestor of the Zhuge Clan

The ancestor of the Zhuge clan is Ge Bo. The Zhuge surname has three different origins: According to the "Tongzhi·Shizhu Lue," the Zhuge people were descendants of Ge Ying and were called Zhuge because they lived in Zhucheng. Another source cites the "Records of the Three Kingdoms·Wu Zhuge Jin," which states that the Ge people from Langya migrated to Yangdu, where another family with the Ge surname already lived, leading to the adoption of the Zhuge surname to differentiate the two groups. Additionally, according to the "Fengsu Tong," Emperor Xiaowen of Han posthumously honored Ge Ying by granting his grandson the title of Marquis of Zhucheng.

Migration and Distribution

The Zhuge surname is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. There are various theories about the origins of the Zhuge clan. It is believed that Ge Bo, a descendant of Boyi, was enfeoffed as a lord during the Shang dynasty. After his state was destroyed, a branch of his descendants moved to Zhucheng (present-day Shandong) and then to Yangdu (present-day Yishui, Shandong), where the Ge surname was already in use. During the Qin dynasty, General Ge Ying, a key figure in the peasant uprising led by Chen Sheng, was killed due to slander. Emperor Wu of Han granted his grandson the title of Marquis of Zhucheng, and thus the Zhuge surname was established.

Han Chinese Surnames

The Zhuge clan's heritage is rooted in two main factors: ancestry and geography. Ancestrally, they descend from Ge Bo; geographically, they originated and grew up in Zhucheng. The Zhuge people regard Ge Bo as the founder of their clan.

Notable Figures with the Zhuge Surname

Zhuge Liang: A statesman and military strategist during the Three Kingdoms period, he served as the prime minister of the state of Shu. He advised Liu Bei to conquer the regions of Jing (present-day Hunan and Hubei) and Yi (present-day Sichuan), ally with Sun Quan, and unite against Cao Cao to unify China. He played a crucial role in the victory at the Battle of Red Cliffs and helped establish the Shu Han dynasty. After Liu Bei's death, he served as prime minister and assisted Liu Shan, the later emperor of Shu Han.

Cultural Symbols

• Surnames of the Zhuge Clan: The Zhuge clan has several symbolic names, such as "San Gu Tang" (Three Visits Hall), referring to Liu Bei's three visits to Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage before appointing him as prime minister, and "Wolong Tang" (Couch Dragon Hall), reflecting Zhuge Liang's reputation as a wise and powerful leader.

The Zhuge clan has a long and illustrious history, with its members making significant contributions to Chinese politics and military strategy.