Empress Wu was born under the name Wu Zhao. When she ascended the throne she chose the name Zetian as her throne name, meaning "she who follows the heaven". As Empress regnant she was also known as Wu Zhou, Wu Meiniang, Mo Chak-tin and her temple name: Wu Shenglong. Wu Zetian's full title is:"Her Imperial Majesty Empress Wu Zetian, Sacred and Divine Empress regnant of China, she who causes the flowers to blossom and the rivers to flow".