Origin & Meaning of the Wu Surname
What does the last name Wu mean?
The surname Wu 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 71,721 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wu ranks as the #461 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wu come from?
The Wu 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 Wu name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wu 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 | Wu |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #461 |
| US Count (2010) | 71,721 |
| Per 100K People | 24.31 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wu
According to the US Census, the Wu surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 71,721 Americans with the Wu last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.37% |
| Black | 0.18% |
| Hispanic | 0.48% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 96.37% |
| Native American | 0.02% |
| Two or More Races | 1.59% |
Popularity of Wu Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wu surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wu surname increased by 25,906 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Wu Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Wu ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Wu Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Wu Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Wu
- ✓ The Wu coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Wu families live today
- ✓ Notable Wu bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Wu
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wu.
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 Wu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wu
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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