Skip to content
ZenName

PuSurname

Pu (濮) is a toponymic surname derived from the ancient Pu River region in present-day Shandong Province. It symbolizes a connection to water and the natural landscape.

2 tonerising
Mandarin

Mainland China · Taiwan

Population Ranking

#356

Estimated Under 1 million people

#1#50#100+

Position among top 100 Chinese surnames

Geographic Distribution

Sichuan, Shandong, Jiangsu

Five Element Analysis

Metal

strength, justice, and precision

Origin & History

The Pu surname originated from the state of Pu during the Spring and Autumn period, a vassal of the Zhou Dynasty. The descendants of the rulers of Pu adopted the state name as their surname.

Surname Evolution

The Pu surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Pu clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Pu surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Baoding area, Hebei. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Commandery

Zhongshan Commandery (中山郡) — Modern-day Baoding area, Hebei Province

Hall Title

永思堂 (Pu Clan)

Ancestral Hall

Pu Clan Ancestral Hall in Zhongshan — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Pu 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 Pu

1

Pu Wenzhi (濮文志) — A scholar-official during the Qing Dynasty

2

Pu Cunxin (濮存昕) — Renowned contemporary actor and director

3

Pu Yi (濮仪) — A lesser-known poet from the Ming Dynasty

Tone Compatibility

Pu () is a 2nd tone (rising) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.

Recommended Patterns

2-1-4
Pu 安泰Pú Āntài

peaceful and secure

2-3-4
Pu 海瑞Pú Hǎiruì

vast and auspicious

2-4-2
Pu 志翔Pú Zhìxiáng

ambition that soars

Patterns to Avoid

2-2-2flat rhythm
2-1-1abrupt start

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 Pu

Your Pu Family Legend

Legends say the 濮 character was born from the moment an ancient king pressed his seal into the earth — three horizontal strokes for Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, joined by one vertical stroke of sovereign power. The Pu clan has carried this name like a crown through three thousand years of Chinese history. As the #356 surname in China, the Pu family has shaped the nation's destiny for generations. Their story begins in the shadow of imperial courts and winds through the great dynasties — scholars who became poets, warriors who became philosophers. "耕读传家,忠厚继世 — Farming and learning pass through the family; loyalty and kindness continue." — this guiding principle has been whispered from parent to child across countless generations, a thread of wisdom connecting every branch of the Pu family tree. Today, descendants of Pu Wenzhi (濮文志) and Pu Cunxin (濮存昕) carry the name forward — a living legacy written into the story of a civilization.

Popular Chinese Name Collections

Want Your Own Unique Chinese Name?

Our engine creates personalized names based on your English name and preferred style.

Try the Name Generator

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the surname Pu mean in Chinese?

The surname Pu (浦) means 'riverbank' or 'shore' in Chinese, composed of water (氵) and the phonetic component 甫. It is a toponymic surname associated with riverside settlements, conveying a sense of calmness, tranquility, and connection to nature. The character evokes imagery of water's edge and peaceful landscapes.

Where does the Pu surname originate from?

The Pu surname originated from the ancient state of Pu (浦) during the Spring and Autumn period, located in present-day Jiangsu Province. After the state was annexed, its people adopted the state name as their surname. Another origin is from the Pu River region, where inhabitants took the river name as their surname.

Who are some famous people with the surname Pu?

Notable figures include Pu Songling (蒲松龄), author of 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio' (different character); Pu Hua (浦华), a Qing dynasty painter; Pu Feng (浦风), a modern poet; and Pu Jiang (浦江), a contemporary geographer.

What given names go well with the surname Pu?

Given Pu's water-related meaning, names with aquatic or natural elements are ideal, such as Pu Yuan (源, source) or Pu Ze (泽, marsh). Names suggesting peace like Pu An (安, peace) or Pu Jing (静, quiet) also complement the surname's serene imagery.

Explore More Surnames