徐
Xu
Pronounced like: "Shoo"
Other Spellings: Hsu, Tsui, Zee, Chui, See
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Xu Family Name
The surname Xu traces its roots back over 4,000 years to the Xia Dynasty. Its primary origin is linked to the legendary figure Boyi, who assisted Great Yu in controlling the floods. Boyi’s son, Ruo Mu, was granted the land of Xu (located in present-day Anhui and Jiangsu provinces) by the Xia King, establishing the State of Xu. This state remained a significant power through the Shang and Western Zhou dynasties. For over forty generations, the descendants of Ruo Mu ruled this region until the state was eventually annexed by the State of Wu in 512 BC during the Spring and Autumn Period. Following the fall of their kingdom, the noble family and commoners alike adopted 'Xu' as their surname to commemorate their ancestral land and heritage. This long history makes Xu one of the oldest and most geographically consistent surnames in China, spreading from the Huai River valley across the nation over millennia.
What Does the Chinese Surname Xu Mean?
The Chinese character 'Xu' (徐) is composed of the radical '彳' (chi), representing a step or walking, and the phonetic component '余' (yu), which originally suggested surplus or ease. Literally, the character translates to 'slowly,' 'composedly,' or 'gently.' It suggests a person who moves with deliberation and grace, reflecting a calm and steady temperament. In ancient texts, it often describes a dignified and leisurely pace. As a surname, it carries the philosophical connotation of balance and poise, symbolizing a life lived with careful thought rather than haste. This meaning is deeply rooted in the Confucian ideals of moderation and self-control, suggesting that the bearer of the name comes from a lineage that values wisdom and a measured approach to life's challenges. The character serves as a constant reminder to approach life with a steady hand and a calm heart, ensuring that every step taken is purposeful and aligned with one's moral compass.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Xu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Hsu | Wade-Giles |
| Tsui | Cantonese |
| Zee | Shanghainese |
| Chui | Hakka |
| See | Hockchiu |
Famous People With the Surname Xu
1. Xu Guangqi (1562–1633): A prominent Ming Dynasty scholar-official and scientist who collaborated with Matteo Ricci to translate Western scientific texts into Chinese.
2. Xu Xiake (1587–1641): A legendary travel writer and geographer of the Ming Dynasty, whose journals documented the topography and geology of China with unprecedented detail.
3. Xu Beihong (1895–1953): A master of modern Chinese painting widely acclaimed for his dynamic ink-and-wash depictions of horses and his integration of Western techniques.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 徐 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Xu (徐) mean?+
The Chinese character 'Xu' (徐) is composed of the radical '彳' (chi), representing a step or walking, and the phonetic component '余' (yu), which originally suggested surplus or ease. Literally, the character translates to 'slowly,' 'composedly,' or 'gently.' It suggests a person who moves with deliberation and grace, reflecting a calm and steady temperament. In ancient texts, it often describes a dignified and leisurely pace. As a surname, it carries the philosophical connotation of balance and poise, symbolizing a life lived with careful thought rather than haste. This meaning is deeply rooted in the Confucian ideals of moderation and self-control, suggesting that the bearer of the name comes from a lineage that values wisdom and a measured approach to life's challenges. The character serves as a constant reminder to approach life with a steady hand and a calm heart, ensuring that every step taken is purposeful and aligned with one's moral compass.
How common is the surname Xu?+
The surname Xu ranks approximately #11 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 徐?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Xu. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Shoo".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.