Xu (surname 許)

Xu (許) is a common Chinese surname. It is romanized as Hsu in Wade-Giles and Hui in Cantonese.

Origin and History:

The surname Xu is said to originate from the Jiang (姜) clan. According to historical records, Boyi, a descendant of the legendary Emperor Shun and a meritorious official during the Xia dynasty, was granted the fiefdom of Xu (許) in present-day Henan province by Emperor Yu. Boyi was later enfeoffed in Lü (呂), and his descendants established the state of Xu. The state of Xu was eventually conquered by the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period. The descendants of the rulers of Xu then adopted the name of their former state as their surname.

Distribution and Prominence:

The surname Xu is widely distributed throughout China and overseas Chinese communities. It ranks among the top 30 most common surnames in mainland China. Historically, the Xu clan has produced many notable figures in various fields, contributing to Chinese culture and society.

Notable Individuals:

• Xu Guangqi (徐光啟): A prominent Ming dynasty scholar, official, and scientist, known for his contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and agriculture. He collaborated with Matteo Ricci to translate Euclid's Elements into Chinese.
• Xu Xiake (徐霞客): A famous Ming dynasty geographer and explorer, renowned for his detailed travelogues and descriptions of various landscapes in China.
• 許瑋甯 (Tiffany Hsu): A Taiwanese actress and model.
• 許冠傑 (Sam Hui): A Hong Kong singer, songwriter and actor, widely regarded as the "God of Song" in Hong Kong pop music.

Variations and Related Surnames:

While Xu (許) is the standard form, variations may exist due to regional dialects or transliteration differences. Related surnames or ancestral connections could be linked through historical records and genealogical research, but are not directly variations of the surname itself.

Cultural Significance:

The surname Xu, like other Chinese surnames, carries with it a sense of family history, ancestry, and cultural identity. It connects individuals to a shared lineage and a rich heritage.