An (Chinese surname)

An (安) is a relatively common Chinese surname. It originates from several sources:

• From the state of Wei (衛): During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Ding of Wei had a grandson named Cheng Yu (成季俞), whose fief was An (安). His descendants adopted An (安) as their surname.

• From the state of Qi (齊): During the Warring States period, some descendants of the royal family of Qi, particularly those who settled in places known as "An," adopted the surname An (安).

• From other minority ethnic groups: Some non-Han Chinese ethnic groups, such as certain groups within the Xiongnu and other northern nomadic peoples, adopted An (安) as a surname during various historical periods, often as a sinicization process.

• Conferred Surname: During certain dynasties, the surname An was sometimes bestowed upon individuals as a reward for service or loyalty.

The surname An is found throughout China, but is particularly prevalent in northern and northwestern provinces. Notable people with the surname An include figures in politics, academia, and the arts.