The 吴 surname

Wu (吴) is a common Chinese surname, sixth in the Hundred Family Surnames (《百家姓》), and most Wu honor Taibo (泰伯) and Zhongyong (仲雍) of the Zhou as their founding ancestors.^[1] In Taishan, Wu families have lived for generations in the Hakka villages around Tiantou (田头), Chixi Town (赤溪镇); according to local village records, their ancestors came from Fujian to Xinning County in the Ming.^[2]

Origin of the surname[edit]

The main source of the Wu surname is the Ji (姬) surname. Taibo and Zhongyong, the eldest and second sons of King Tai of Zhou (周太王), fled south to the Jingman (荆蛮) lands to give up the succession to Jili (季历), and founded Gouwu (句吴); after King Wu of Zhou overthrew the Shang, Zhou Zhang (周章), a descendant of Zhongyong, was enfeoffed, and the state was named Wu. After Wu was destroyed by Yue, its descendants took the state's name as their clan name. Jizha (季札), fourth son of Shoumeng (寿梦), King of Wu, declined the throne and lived at Yanling (延陵); his descendants make up the main body of the later Wu surname, and so the Wu mostly take Yanling as their ancestral commandery. In addition, there are ancient origins from descendants of Shun and from Wu Hui (吴回), and some ethnic minorities also have the Wu surname.^[1]

Coming to Taishan[edit]

According to village records on the website of the Chixi Town People's Government, Taishan City, the surnames long settled in Dingfeng Village (定丰村) of Tiantou Village, Chixi, are Wu, Luo and Zhong; in the Ming the Wu ancestors led their clansmen from Fujian to Xinning County, and their descendants later moved on to this village; the ancestors of the Zhong, Luo, Yang and other surnames then also came from various parts of Xinning County. The villagers are Hakka and speak Hakka.^[2]

How the Wu came to other parts of Taishan and where they live is yet to be added. Family members who know more are welcome to edit this article.