Xu Family Name#

Family Name: Xu, pronounced as xū

Distribution of the Xu Family Name#

• Wuxing Commandery: Established during the Three Kingdoms period, its administrative center was Wucheng (now south of Wuxing, Zhejiang; later moved to the current location during the early years of the Yixi era of the Jin Dynasty). This area corresponds to the northwest region of present-day Lin'an, Yuhang, and Deqing in Zhejiang Province, as well as part of Yixing County in Jiangsu.
• Langya Commandery: Established by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This area corresponds to the southeastern part of present-day Shandong Province, including the regions of Ancheng, Linyi, and Jiaonan.

Origins of the Xu Family Name#

The origin of the Xu family name can be traced to three sources:

1. Ancient Times: The Yan Emperor was a renowned tribal leader whose tribe was highly skilled in agricultural production. The Yan Emperor's tribe worshipped the phoenix totem and, along with the Yellow Emperor's tribe which worshipped the dragon totem, is considered one of the ancestors of the Chinese nation. A branch of the Yan Emperor's tribe, known as the Hexu clan, adopted "Xu" as their family name and passed it down through generations.
2. Spring and Autumn Period: In the state of Jin, there was a minister named Xu Chen. His son was Xu Jia, whose son was Xu Ke, and whose son was Xu Tong. This branch of the Xu family name officially took shape and has been passed down through generations, representing a major origin of the Xu surname today.
3. Transformation from a Compound Family Name to a Single One: During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a noble family named Huxu in the state of Jin, which was later simplified to the Xu family name.

Ancestor of the Xu Family Name: Xu Chen is regarded as the founder of the Xu family. According to historical research, Xu Chen, styled Jizi, was granted a fiefdom named "Jiu" after his contributions during the reign of Duke Wen of Jin. He held the official position of Sikong (Minister of Works). His descendants continued to serve as officials in the Jin state, and notable figures such as his son Xu Shen and great-grandson Xu Tong contributed significantly to the family's reputation. The Xu family name originated from this noble lineage and spread throughout China during the Song and Ming dynasties, with a prominent presence in the Wuxing Commandery (present-day Wuxing County, Zhejiang Province).

Migration and Distribution: The Xu family name does not rank among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. During the Spring and Autumn period, a minister named Xu Chen from the state of Jin passed down the Xu surname to his descendants. Scholars believe the Xu family can be traced back to ancient emperors. The Huxu clan (related to Fuxi and Nüwa) is said to have lived a simple life, with members wandering and caring for each other without distinction between good and evil. Another branch of the Xu family originated from the noble Huxu clan, which was also simplified to the Xu surname.

The Xu Chen lineage is highly respected within the Xu family, with Xu Chen considered the progenitor. According to the "Zuo Zhuan," Xu Chen served as Sikong during the reign of Duke Wen of Jin. His descendants held significant positions in the state, including his son Xu Shen and great-grandson Xu Tong, who played key roles in Jin's history. The Xu family name spread widely during the Song and Ming dynasties, with a strong presence in the Wuxing Commandery.

Family Ancestral Hall Couplets#

• **"Magnificent as the Horses of Mount Meng; Proficient in Literature as the Dragon Rides"*: This couplet refers to Xu Chen, who used a tiger skin to cover his horse during battles in the Spring and Autumn period, and to Xu Yan from the Northern Song dynasty, who was a scholar and official.
• **"Strategically Excellent as the Horses of Mount Meng; Skilled in Literature as the Dragon Carves"*: These couplets highlight the military prowess and literary achievements of members of the Xu family.

The Xu family has a long history, with roots in Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, they migrated to regions such as Gansu, Shandong, Hebei, Jiangsu, Hunan, Anhui, Henan, and Sichuan. The "Hundred Family Surnames" lists the Xu family's historical origin as the Langya Commandery (present-day Jiaonan, Shandong Province).

These couplets celebrate the military and literary achievements of the Xu family members throughout history.