许
Traditional: 許
Xu
Pronounced like: "Shee"
Other Spellings: Hsu, Hui, Khoo, Koh, Khaw
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Xu Family Name
Le nom de famille Xu trouve ses racines dans l'ancien clan Jiang (姜), remontant au légendaire Empereur Yan. Pendant la dynastie des Zhou occidentaux, le roi Wu de Zhou a inféodé Wen Shu, un descendant du sage Bo Yi, à l'État de Xu (situé dans l'actuelle Xuchang, province du Henan). Pendant des siècles, l'État de Xu a existé comme un État vassal de premier plan. Après avoir été finalement conquis par l'État de Chu pendant la période des Printemps et des Automnes, la famille régnante et ses sujets ont adopté le nom de leur État perdu comme nom de famille pour commémorer leur terre ancestrale. Cette migration a solidifié Xu en tant que nom de famille majeur, originaire des plaines centrales de la Chine.
What Does the Chinese Surname Xu Mean?
Le caractère '许' (Xu) signifie principalement 'promettre', 'permettre' ou 'louer'. Étymologiquement, il se compose du radical de la 'parole' (言) et du composant phonétique 'wu' (午). Historiquement, il est profondément lié à l'ancien État de Xu, un État vassal sous la dynastie Zhou. Au-delà de son sens littéral, il transmet un sentiment d'engagement, d'intégrité et de reconnaissance sociale. Dans l'usage moderne, il reste un verbe courant en mandarin. En tant que nom de famille, il reflète l'héritage prestigieux d'une lignée qui tire ses racines de l'ancienne noblesse et de la gouvernance locale, symbolisant un héritage d'honneur et d'autorité.
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 (v. 58-147 après J.-C.) : Un érudit de la dynastie Han qui a compilé le 'Shuowen Jiezi', le premier dictionnaire à analyser la structure des caractères chinois.
2. Xu Guangqi (1562-1633) : Un éminent fonctionnaire-érudit, scientifique et mathématicien de la dynastie Ming qui a collaboré avec Matteo Ricci pour traduire des ouvrages scientifiques.
3. Xu Beihong (1895-1953) : Un célèbre peintre et éducateur chinois moderne, surtout connu pour ses peintures à l'encre de chevaux au galop et ses techniques mixtes.
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.
Looking for a Chinese Name with the Surname Xu?
Use our intelligent generator to find a culturally authentic Chinese name tailored to your preferences.
Perfect Names to Pair with Xu
Explore Related Surnames
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.