徐
Xu
Pronounced like: "Shoo"
Other Spellings: Hsu, Tsui, Zee, Chui, See
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Xu Family Name
Le nom de famille Xu remonte à plus de 4 000 ans, à l'époque de la dynastie Xia. Son origine est liée à la figure légendaire Boyi, qui a aidé le Grand Yu à contrôler les inondations. Le fils de Boyi, Ruo Mu, a reçu la terre de Xu (située dans les provinces actuelles de l'Anhui et du Jiangsu) par le roi Xia, fondant ainsi l'État de Xu. Cet État est resté une puissance importante à travers les dynasties Shang et Zhou occidentaux. Pendant plus de quarante générations, les descendants de Ruo Mu ont régné sur cette région jusqu'à ce que l'État soit finalement annexé par l'État de Wu en 512 av. J.-C. Après la chute de leur royaume, la famille noble et les roturiers ont adopté 'Xu' comme nom de famille pour commémorer leur terre ancestrale, ce qui en fait l'un des noms les plus anciens de Chine.
What Does the Chinese Surname Xu Mean?
Le caractère chinois 'Xu' (徐) est composé du radical '彳' (pas) et du composant '余' (surplus/aisance). Littéralement, le caractère se traduit par 'lentement', 'calmement' ou 'doucement'. Il suggère une personne qui se déplace avec délibération et grâce, reflétant un tempérament calme et constant. Dans les textes anciens, il décrit souvent une allure digne et posée. En tant que nom de famille, il porte la connotation philosophique de l'équilibre et de l'aplomb, symbolisant une vie vécue avec une réflexion approfondie plutôt qu'avec hâte. Cette signification est profondément ancrée dans les idéaux confucéens de modération et de maîtrise de soi, suggérant que le porteur du nom appartient à une lignée qui valorise la sagesse et une approche mesurée des défis de la vie.
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) : Un éminent savant et scientifique de la dynastie Ming qui a collaboré avec Matteo Ricci pour traduire des textes scientifiques occidentaux.
2. Xu Xiake (1587–1641) : Un écrivain voyageur légendaire de la dynastie Ming, dont les journaux documentaient la topographie de la Chine avec un détail sans précédent.
3. Xu Beihong (1895–1953) : Un maître de la peinture chinoise moderne, acclamé pour ses représentations dynamiques de chevaux et son intégration des techniques occidentales.
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.