Wu 1

Wu is a common Chinese surname, originating from the ancient state of Wu (吳) that existed during the Zhou dynasty in what is now Jiangsu province. The state of Wu was a powerful kingdom with a distinct culture, and after its annexation by the Yue state in the 5th century BCE, many people adopted the name of their former state as their surname. The character 吳 (also written 吴) is associated with the meanings “big” or “loud.”

Cultural Significance

Wu is one of the most frequent surnames in China, particularly in the lower Yangtze River region. It also spread to neighboring cultures through migration and influence. In Cantonese and other southern dialects, the name is pronounced as Ng, which is common in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. The Korean pronunciation is O or Oh, and the Vietnamese forms are Ngo and Ngô.

Notable Bearers

Prominent individuals with the surname Wu include Wu Zetian, the only empress regnant in Chinese history, and the contemporary scientist Wu Chien-shiung, a pioneering physicist in nuclear research. Hollywood actors like Lucy Liu and Keanu Reeves also have the name in their family lineage (via Ng in the latter’s case).

Variants

The variant forms include Ng (common in Cantonese-speaking regions), as well as Korean O and Oh, and Vietnamese Ngo and Ngô.

• Meaning: Derived from the ancient state of Wu
• Origin: Chinese
• Type: Surname
• Usage Regions: China, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Korea, Vietnam