Yan Clan#

Surname: Yan, pronounced as “yán”

Regions where the Yan Clan is Found#

• Tianshui Commandery: Established in the third year of the Yuanding era of the Western Han Dynasty. This branch of the Yan clan is likely descended from King Kang of Zhou.
• Henan Commandery: Reorganized from the Qin dynasty’s Sanchuan Commandery in the second year of the reign of Emperor Gao of Han. This branch of the Yan clan is thought to be descended from Tang Shuyu.
• Taiyuan Commandery: Established in the fourth year of the Zhuangxiang era of the Qin dynasty during the Warring States period. This branch of the Yan clan is also believed to be descended from Tang Shuyu.

Origins of the Yan Clan#

The Yan surname has several origins:

1. Descendant of the Ji Clan: The Yan clan originated from the Ji clan, descendants of Houji, a descendant of the Yellow Emperor. According to historical records, Houji adopted the Ji surname and was revered as an ancestor by the people of the Northern Zhou dynasty. Houji had three sons: Taibo, Zhongyong, and Jili. During the reign of King Wu of Zhou, Jili’s great-grandson, Zhongyi, was granted the fief of Yanxiang (present-day Anyi, Shanxi Province). His descendants adopted Yan as their surname.
2. Descendant of King Kang of Zhou: Another branch of the Yan clan traces its origins to King Kang of Zhou and also took the fief name as their surname.
3. Descendant of Tang Shuyu: This branch also originated from King Kang of Zhou and adopted the fief name as their surname.

Today, the Yan surname is often simplified to “Yan.” There are five known origins for the Yan surname:

• From the Ji Clan: The Yan clan descended from the Ji clan, specifically through Houji, a descendant of the Yellow Emperor. Houji’s descendants adopted the Ji surname and were honored as ancestors by the Northern Zhou dynasty.
• From King Kang of Zhou: This branch also took the fief name as their surname.
• From Tang Shuyu: This branch descended from Tang Shuyu and adopted the fief name as their surname.

The Yan clan has spread throughout China and has various ancestral halls (tanghao) associated with it, with the most famous being “Taiyuan,” as both the original and simplified forms of the surname originate from this region.

Ancestor of the Yan Clan: Zhongyi is considered the ancestor of the Yan clan. During the late Shang dynasty, Gu Gongfu (also known as Taiwang) had three sons: Taibo, Zhongyong, and Jili. Jili’s great-grandson, Zhongyi, was granted the fief of Yanxiang by King Wu of Zhou. Zhongyi’s descendants adopted Yan as their surname.

Migration and Distribution: The Yan clan migrated to various regions throughout China, with significant populations in Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi provinces. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the Yan clan also spread to other areas. For example, some members moved to Hubei and Sichuan.

Notable Figures with the Yan Surname:

• Yan Liben: A painter of the Tang dynasty who served as the Right Chancellor. His contemporary, Jiang Ke, was the Left Chancellor.
• Yan Ermei: A poet and official of the Qing dynasty who opposed the Qing regime and advocated for the restoration of the Ming dynasty.
• Yan Heng: A notable figure from the Jin dynasty known for his kindness and governance.

The Yan clan has a rich history and a wide distribution across China, with significant populations in provinces such as Henan, Shaanxi, and Hebei. It ranks 50th among the most common surnames in China, with a population accounting for about 0.4% of the total Han population.