Origin & Meaning of the Lu Surname
What does the last name Lu mean?
The surname Lu carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 35,628 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lu ranks as the #978 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lu come from?
The Lu surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Lu name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lu trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Lu |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #978 |
| US Count (2010) | 35,628 |
| Per 100K People | 12.08 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lu
According to the US Census, the Lu surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 35,628 Americans with the Lu last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.77% |
| Black | 0.36% |
| Hispanic | 0.69% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 95.74% |
| Native American | 0.02% |
| Two or More Races | 1.43% |
Popularity of Lu Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lu surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lu surname increased by 12,651 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Lu Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lu ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Lu Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Lu Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lu
- ✓ The Lu coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Lu families live today
- ✓ Notable Lu bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Lu
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lu.
Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Lu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lu
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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