Lu or 陆 - The Roots of Chinese Surnames: Exploring Heritage and History
- ChinaFetching
- 8h
- 2 min read
The surname Lu (陆) carries a history that stretches from the realms of ancient myth to the realities of dynastic rule and cultural resilience.
More than just a family name, it reflects stories of gods and kings, fallen states and enduring memory.
The origins of this name can be traced to three remarkable sources, each with its own distinctive legacy.
From Myth: Lu Zhong and the God of Fire
The earliest origin reaches deep into legend, to Lu Zhong, son of Wu Hui—the God of Fire.
In some traditions, Wu Hui is remembered not as a deity, but as a great leader who mastered the use of fire in antiquity.
Lu Zhong was enfeoffed in the land of Lu, and in honor of this fief, his descendants took Lu as their family name.
This mythological connection underscores the surname's ancient and symbolic beginnings.
From Royal Appointment: The State of Qi
A second origin of the Lu surname emerges in the Warring States Period (403 BC — 221 BC).
Prince Tong, son of King Xuan of Qi (? — 301 BC), was granted the land of Lu.
His descendants adopted Lu as their surname, thereby linking their lineage to one of the most powerful states of its era.
Through this branch, the Lu name became intertwined with royal authority and the political currents of early Chinese history.
From a Fallen State: The Memory of Luhun
The third origin traces back to the State of Luhun, established by the Rong people during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC — 403 BC).
Luhun prospered for a time, but in 525 BCE it fell to the State of Jin.
Determined to preserve the memory of their homeland, the people of Luhun adopted Lu as their surname—a lasting tribute to a vanished state.
This act of remembrance reflects resilience in the face of loss, and the enduring human desire to carry one's history forward through a name.
The Enduring Legacy of the Lu Surname
Across the centuries, countless individuals bearing the surname Lu have risen to prominence in politics, scholarship, and the arts.
Their contributions enriched the cultural, intellectual, and political heritage of China, ensuring the name's continued resonance.
Today, the surname Lu endures not merely as a marker of ancestry, but as a living bridge between legend and history, between memory and identity.
It speaks of resilience, continuity, and the unbroken spirit that connects generations to their ancient origins.
