Explanation of the Hu Clan Totem

Meaning

The character Hu (胡) is formed with the “meat” radical and an ancient phonetic component.

In oracle‑bone script, its shape resembles a cow’s leg with hanging flesh, indicating its early pictographic origin.

Origin

Gui Man, a descendant of Emperor Shun, was enfeoffed in Chen (modern Huaiyang, Henan) by King Wu of Zhou at the beginning of the Western Zhou Dynasty, where he established the State of Chen.

After his death, Gui Man received the posthumous title Duke Hu (胡公), and was therefore also known as Hu Gong Man.

Some of his descendants adopted his posthumous title Hu as their surname, forming the Hu clan.

Ancestral Founder of the Surname

Hu Gong Man

Ancestral Homeland

Huaiyang, Henan

Prominent Clans / Halls

• Huaiyang, Anding, Xincai

• Sanqia Hall

Modern Ranking / Population

• 15th most common surname in China

• Approximately 15.5 million people

Ranking in the Song Dynasty’s Hundred Family Surnames

• 158th

Existing Genealogies

• 863 volumes preserved today