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Last Name Hu

What is the origin of the last name Hu?

The surname Hu (Chu) is of Chinese origin and is one of the Four Great Clans in ancient China, along with Li, Wang, and Sun. It was originally a clan name for the rulers of the state of Chu during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE). The character "Hu" (Chu) in Chinese can mean "tiger," but it's important to note that surnames do not always have literal meanings; they are often based on family origins, historical events, or other cultural factors. In modern China, the Hu surname is one of the most common, with various branches and sub-branches spread across different regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hu

The meaning and origin of the last name Hu

The surname Hu (Chu) is of Chinese origin and is one of the most common surnames in China. It is believed to have derived from the ancient Chinese character "仲" (Zhong), which means central or middle, symbolizing a person who holds an important position or influence. The character evolved over time into its current form as "胡" (Hu). Throughout history, the Hu clan played significant roles in Chinese politics and culture. In imperial China, they were members of noble houses and held influential positions at court. During the Tang Dynasty, for example, the Hu clan was one of the Four Great Clans of China. Today, Hu is predominantly found in China, but also among Chinese communities around the world. Notable individuals with the surname Hu include Chinese-American physicist Yuan C. Lee and Chinese film director Huang Feng.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hu

The last name Hu is predominantly found in East Asia, particularly in China and Taiwan. According to data from FamilySearch, it ranks as one of the most common surnames in both countries. In China, it's pronounced 'Hú' and is distributed across many provinces, with a higher concentration in regions such as Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Fujian. In Taiwan, the pronunciation is 'Hok' or 'Gōu', and it is particularly common among the Hoklo (Taiwanese) ethnic group. The Hu surname is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Asia, including Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, where it may be pronounced differently due to phonetic variations. In diasporic Chinese communities around the world, the Hu surname can also be encountered, such as in North America and Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hu

The surname Hu (Hú) is of Chinese origin and has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Hoo - This spelling can be found among Chinese immigrants who may have adapted the pronunciation to suit foreign languages.
2. Who - A similar adaptation, this variation might stem from an attempt to phonetically represent the sound "H" in a non-Chinese context.
3. Wu - While Wu (Wú) is actually a common Chinese surname with its own set of variations, it can sometimes be confused with Hu due to their similar pronunciations in certain dialects.
4. Huh, Hue, Huey - These are English variants that might have originated from attempts to phonetically represent the Chinese name in English, but they are less common and may not be associated with people of Chinese descent.
5. Huang (Huáng) - While Huang is a distinct surname in Chinese, it can sometimes be misinterpreted or mistakenly transcribed as Hu due to their similar pronunciations.

Famous people with the last name Hu

Edward S. Humes, an American author, won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2001 for his book "The Monkey Wrench Gang." Born in 1954, he is also known for his works such as "Gabriel's Story," "Under the Banner of Heaven," and "Change in the Wind: A Personal and Historical Journey through the Heartland." Another renowned figure with the surname Hu is Grace Mugabe, formerly Zimbabwe's First Lady. She was born in 1965 as Grace Marufu but took her husband Robert Mugabe's surname when they married. As a prominent political figure, she was implicated in numerous controversies during her tenure as First Lady from 1996 to 2017. In the realm of academia, Tsao-Heng (Tom) Hu is widely recognized for his contributions to mathematics, especially in algebraic geometry and topology. Born in China in 1938, he was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, before becoming a Distinguished Professor at the University of Washington. Hu's work has significantly impacted these fields and earned him numerous prestigious awards.

Genealogical research on the last name Hu

The surname Hu (胡) is a Chinese family name originating from the Han Dynasty and is one of the Five Great Clans of China. Historically, it was a clan name for the Hu people who inhabited the areas surrounding present-day Henan province. During the Tang Dynasty, a notable branch of the Hu clan moved south to Sichuan where they became prominent scholars and officials. The Hu clan is also known for their contributions in various fields, such as literature, politics, and military service throughout Chinese history. Notable individuals bearing the surname Hu include Hu Zongxi, a neo-Confucian philosopher, and Huang Huagong, an astronomer during the Qing Dynasty. The Hu clan remains prominent in China today.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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