The Du Clan#

Surname: Du, pronounced as "dū"

Distribution of the Du Clan#

Liyang Commandery: According to "Shixing Kaolüe" (A Brief Study of Surnames) and "Junwang Baijiaxing" (A Directory of Hundred Families from Various Commanderies), the Du clan originated from Liyang Commandery. During the Western Han Dynasty, Liyang County was established, and it was renamed Liyang Commandery in the Northern Wei period. This area corresponds to present-day Xun County in central Henan Province, roughly matching the location of Dunchou Commandery during the Jin Dynasty.

Origin of the Du Clan#

The Du surname has two possible origins:

1. It may derive from the Ji surname, originating from the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period. The ancestor's given name was used as the surname. As recorded in "Xingyuan," in the early Spring and Autumn period, there was a noble official from Zheng named Gongziju, whose given name was Zidu. He was a renowned handsome man known for his bravery and strength, which earned him the admiration of Duke Zhuang of Zheng. After his death, his descendants adopted his given name as their surname.
2. Another origin could be from the Gongdu surname, which was derived from the name of a fief. During the Spring and Autumn period, a nobleman from Chu named Gongzitian was granted a fief in Du (the exact location is unknown), and his descendants became the Gongdu clan. A branch of this clan adopted the surname Du.

Ancestral Founder of the Du Clan Zidu is considered the founding ancestor of the Du clan. According to historical records, the Du clan originated from the states of Qi and Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period. Their ancestors came from Liyang Commandery in Qi and were descendants of the Gongdu clan. Duke Zhuang of Zheng held Zidu in high regard. After Zidu's death, his descendants adopted his given name as their surname.

Migration and Distribution The Du clan has not made it into the top 100 surnames in either mainland China or Taiwan. The clan traces its origins back to the Ji surname and the Gongdu clan of the Spring and Autumn period. In the early Spring and Autumn period, there was a noble official from Zheng named Gongsun E, whose given name was Zidu. Zidu was handsome and brave, which earned him the favor of Duke Zhuang of Zheng. However, he became arrogant and eventually caused Duke Zhuang's death by assassinating his loyal advisor Ying Kaoshu with a hidden arrow. After the dynasty's collapse, the Du clan dispersed, with some members settling in various regions, including Shandong Province. By the Song and Ming dynasties, descendants of the Du clan could be found throughout China. For over a thousand years, the Du clan has been known for its scholarly tradition, producing many accomplished individuals. The prominent members of the clan lived in Liyang Commandery (present-day Xun County, Henan Province).

About the Origin of the "Du" Surname A Mongolian branch of the Du clan did not have a surname but instead used an official title. Their ancestor was a man named Bilihai, who held the position of "Daru Huachi" (a high-ranking official in charge of local administration). According to the "Cihai," this title was translated from Mongolian as "seal keeper." During the Yuan Dynasty, only non-Mongols could hold such positions. After about 500 years, the state of Zheng was conquered by the state of Han in 375 BCE. During the subsequent periods of chaos, the Du clan spread again, with members settling in various parts of China. Over the centuries, the Du clan has remained a prominent scholarly family, producing many learned individuals.

Common Couplets for Du Clan Ancestral Shrines Here are some common couplets used in Du clan ancestral shrines:

Four-character Couplets:

• "Learn to Serve the Country; Manage Agriculture." (Alludes to Du Guo, a famous official from the Han Dynasty, and Du Guangyuan, a minister from the Song Dynasty.)
• "Serve as an Envoy to the West; Become Known as the 'Tofu Official.'" (Refers to Du Mu from the Ming Dynasty, who traveled to Qin and wrote "Xishi Ji" [Record of the Western Mission].)

Six-character Couplets:

• "Ancient texts passed down through generations; Envoys inquired about their well-being." (Refers to the transmission of ancient texts and the concern shown for the well-being of clan members.)
• "The clan thrives in Liyang; Its origin dates back to Zidu." (Honors the clan's roots in Liyang Commandery and its founder, Zidu.)

Seven-character Couplets:

• "The clan's prominence stems from Liyang; Its legacy endures through time." (Emphasizes the clan's historical roots in Liyang Commandery and its founder, Zidu.)
• "Don't overwork yourself; True wisdom comes naturally." (A reminder to maintain a balanced lifestyle, inspired by Du Mu's philosophy.)