许
Traditional: 許
Xu
Pronounced like: "Shee"
Other Spellings: Hsu, Hui, Khoo, Koh, Khaw
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Xu Family Name
The surname Xu has its roots in the ancient Jiang (姜) clan, tracing back to the legendary Yan Emperor. During the Western Zhou Dynasty, King Wu of Zhou enfeoffed Wen Shu, a descendant of the sage Bo Yi, at the State of Xu (located in present-day Xuchang, Henan Province). For centuries, the State of Xu existed as a prominent vassal state. After it was eventually conquered by the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period, the ruling family and its subjects adopted the name of their lost state as their surname to commemorate their ancestral land. This migration and adoption solidified Xu as a major surname, primarily originating from the Central Plains of China before spreading southward to Fujian and Guangdong provinces over successive dynasties.
What Does the Chinese Surname Xu Mean?
The character 'Xu' (许) primarily signifies 'to promise,' 'to permit,' or 'to praise.' Etymologically, it is composed of the radical for 'speech' (言) and the phonetic component 'wu' (午). Historically, it is deeply tied to the ancient State of Xu, a vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty. Beyond its literal meaning, it conveys a sense of commitment, integrity, and social recognition. In modern usage, it remains a common verb in Mandarin. As a surname, it reflects the prestigious heritage of a lineage that traces its roots to ancient nobility and localized governance, symbolizing a legacy of honor, vocalized authority, and ancestral pride within the historical Chinese social structure. It remains one of the most culturally significant names in the Sinosphere.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Xu
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Hsu | Taiwan/Wade-Giles |
| Hui | Cantonese |
| Khoo | Hokkien/Teochew |
| Koh | Teochew/Hokkien |
| Khaw | Hokkien |
| Co | Philippines/Hokkien |
Famous People With the Surname Xu
1. Xu Shen (c. 58–147 AD): A Han Dynasty scholar who compiled the 'Shuowen Jiezi', the first dictionary to analyze Chinese characters' structure and provide etymologies, which remains a foundational text in Chinese linguistics.
2. Xu Guangqi (1562–1633): A prominent Ming Dynasty scholar-official, scientist, and mathematician who collaborated with Matteo Ricci to translate Western scientific works into Chinese, earning him the title of one of the 'Three Pillars of Chinese Catholicism'.
3. Xu Beihong (1895–1953): A renowned modern Chinese painter and educator best known for his ink paintings of galloping horses and for integrating Western oil painting techniques with traditional Chinese artistic expressions.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 许 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 (许) mean?+
The character 'Xu' (许) primarily signifies 'to promise,' 'to permit,' or 'to praise.' Etymologically, it is composed of the radical for 'speech' (言) and the phonetic component 'wu' (午). Historically, it is deeply tied to the ancient State of Xu, a vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty. Beyond its literal meaning, it conveys a sense of commitment, integrity, and social recognition. In modern usage, it remains a common verb in Mandarin. As a surname, it reflects the prestigious heritage of a lineage that traces its roots to ancient nobility and localized governance, symbolizing a legacy of honor, vocalized authority, and ancestral pride within the historical Chinese social structure. It remains one of the most culturally significant names in the Sinosphere.
How common is the surname Xu?+
The surname Xu ranks approximately #26 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 许?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Xu. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Shee".
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.