卜BuSurname
Bǔ
Bu (卜) means 'divination' and refers to the ancient practice of oracle bone divination. It symbolizes wisdom and foresight. The surname is rare.
Bǔ
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#491
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Jiangsu, Sichuan, Guangdong
Five Element Analysis
Metal
strength, justice, and precision
Origin & History
The Bu surname originated from diviners (卜人) in ancient China, who were officials responsible for divination. Some descendants of the Shang Dynasty royal family also adopted the surname.
Surname Evolution
The Bu surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Bu clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Bu surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Yantai area, Shandong. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Donglai Commandery (东莱郡) — Modern-day Yantai area, Shandong Province
Hall Title
世德堂 (Bu Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Bu Clan Ancestral Hall in Donglai — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Bu family. The hall serves as a gathering place for clan descendants during traditional festivals such as Qingming and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
耕读传家，忠厚继世 — Farming and learning pass through the family; loyalty and kindness continue.
Famous People with Surname Bu
Bu Shang (卜商) — disciple of Confucius, known as Zixia
Bu Wan (卜万) — Ming Dynasty painter
Bu Yungang (卜云刚) — modern Chinese mathematician
Tone Compatibility
Bu (Bǔ) is a 3rd tone (dipping) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and bright
bright and grand
ambition that soars
Patterns to Avoid
Each digit is a tone (1=level, 2=rising, 3=dipping, 4=falling). The first is the surname tone; the next two are the given name's tones.
Example Names with Bu
Your Bu Family Legend
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What does the surname Bu mean in Chinese?
The surname Bu (卜) means 'divination' and refers to the ancient practice of oracle bone divination. It symbolizes wisdom and foresight, as diviners were seen as wise advisors. The character conveys a sense of prediction and insight.
Where does the Bu surname originate from?
The Bu surname originated from diviners (卜人) in ancient China, who were officials responsible for divination using oracle bones during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. These diviners held high status, and their descendants adopted Bu as their surname. It is a rare surname with deep historical roots.
Who are some famous people with the surname Bu?
Famous people with the surname Bu include Bu Shang (卜商), a disciple of Confucius; Bu Zhi (卜植), a Three Kingdoms official; and Bu Dai (卜代), a Tang dynasty poet.
What given names go well with the surname Bu?
Given names that pair well with Bu often emphasize wisdom or clarity, such as 'Zhi' (智, wisdom) or 'Ming' (明, bright). Names with a spiritual tone like 'Xian' (仙, immortal) can reflect the surname's divination origins.