淳于姓
The Chunyu surname, of Jiang origin from the Yan Emperor, dates back over 3000 years to the Zhou state of Chunyu in Shandong. It later spread to Henei (Henan), was simplified to "Yu" in the Tang Dynasty to avoid a naming taboo, and was later restored. Notable figures include officials, scholars, and physicians throughout Chinese history.
The Chunyu Family Name
Family Name: Chunyu, pronounced as chún yú
Distribution of the Chunyu Family Name
- Qi County: During the Western Han Dynasty, it was initially named Linzi County and later renamed Qi County, with its administrative center in Linzi (the area around present-day Linzi County, Shandong Province). In the Sui and Tang Dynasties, it was known as Qingzhou Beihai County.
- Henei County: Established during the Chu-Han period (at the end of the 3rd century BCE). This county corresponded to the area north of the Yellow River in present-day Henan Province. The administrative center was Huaixian, located southwest of present-day Wuzhi County, Henan Province.
Origin of the Chunyu Family Name
The origin of the Chunyu family name is simple: it stems from the Jiang surname, which originated from descendants of the Yan Emperor. After King Wu of Zhou overthrew the Shang Dynasty, he enfeoffed the Jiang clan from the ancient Zhen Guan state as the Duke of Zhou. During the Spring and Autumn period, this state was known as the State of Zhou and remained a minor kingdom until it was conquered. After its fall, its members adopted the name of their former state as their family name. In the mid-Tang Dynasty, when Emperor Xianzong of Tang had a name that sounded the same as the character in the Chunyu name, they changed it to the simpler "Yu" to avoid naming taboos. After the Five Dynasties period, some members of the Yu family reverted to the original Chunyu surname.
Founding Patriarch of the Chunyu Family
According to the "Commentary on the Water Classic," the founding patriarch of the Chunyu family was Duke Chunyu. During the reign of King Wu of Zhou, Duke Chunyu was granted the state of Zhen Guan and became the ruler of the State of Zhou. His descendants adopted the name of their state as their family name, and the Chunyu surname has a history of over 3,000 years. During the reign of Emperor Xianzong of Tang, the name "Chun" in the Chunyu surname was changed to "Yu" to avoid naming taboos.
Migration and Distribution
The Chunyu surname does not rank among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. After King Wu of Zhou established the Zhou Dynasty, he enfeoffed descendants of the Yan Emperor in the area of present-day Anqiu County, Shandong Province, establishing the State of Zhou. The capital of this state was called Chunyu City (now located northeast of Anqiu County). After the state's fall, its descendants continued to use the name of their former state as their family name. Over time, some members of the Chunyu family migrated to other regions, such as Henei County (north of the Yellow River in present-day Henan Province).
Hall Names
- De Gan Tang: During the Later Han Dynasty, there was a man named Chunyu Gong who was known for his purity of character and indifference to worldly gains. When his brother was captured by thieves and about to be executed, Chunyu Gong offered to die in his place, which moved the thieves and they released both of them. Chunyu Gong later served as a court official.
Notable People with the Chunyu Surname
- Chunyu Qiong: A native of Yingchuan (now Yuzhou, Henan Province), he was one of the Eight Commanders of the Western Garden during the late Han Dynasty. He later followed Yuan Shao but advised against welcoming Emperor Xian to the court, missing the opportunity to use the emperor to command the feudal lords. During the Battle of Guandu, he led an army but was defeated. After the battle, he died in battle while escorting supplies.
- Chunyu?: A scholar from the State of Qi during the Warring States period, known for his knowledge and eloquence. He traveled among the feudal lords, advising them on strategic matters.
- Chunyu Yi: A renowned physician during the Han Dynasty, highly skilled in medicine. His daughter, Chunyu Tiying, volunteered to become a slave to atone for her father's crimes, which moved Emperor Wen of Han and led to the abolition of the death penalty in that case.
- Chunyu Dan: A native of Huang County during the Tang Dynasty, he became a high-ranking official and later a prime minister.
- Chunyu Nan: A native of Huang County who defended the city of Wending during the Sui Dynasty and later served as the governor of Liangzhou.
The Chunyu family had a significant presence in the Qi region (around present-day Linzi County, Shandong Province) but also migrated to other areas, such as Henei County.