Zhuge

Zhuge (諸葛) is a Chinese compound surname. It is one of the relatively rare two-character surnames in use today and is historically associated with notable figures from the late Han dynasty through the Three Kingdoms period.

Origin and history: The surname is said to have formed from a merging of two older lineages, traditionally described as the Zhu (諸) and Ge (葛) families. Over time, members of the Zhuge clan held positions in the competing states of Wei, Wu, and Shu, and several branches achieved prominence in politics, military affairs, and literature.

Notable figures: The best known bearer of the name is Zhuge Liang (諸葛亮), also known as Kongming, who served as a chancellor and regent of Shu Han and is a central figure in the historical Records of the Three Kingdoms and in popular fiction. Other prominent members include Zhuge Jin (諸葛瑾), a general of Eastern Wu, as well as Zhuge Ke (諸葛恪) and Zhuge Dan (諸葛誕), who played roles in the military and political affairs of their time. The Zhuge family is frequently associated with the era's stories and legends, especially through the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Legacy and usage: In modern times, the surname remains uncommon but persists among Chinese communities, including those overseas. The name Zhuge is widely recognized in East Asian culture due to its literary and historical associations with strategy, governance, and the Three Kingdoms period.