Hsu (also romanized as Xu) is a Chinese surname, an alternate transcription of the character 许 (xǔ). It is one of the most common surnames in China, ranking among the top 30 by population. The name originates from the ancient state of Xu, a feudal state that existed during the Zhou dynasty until its annexation in the 4th century BC, located in present-day Henan province. The character 许 itself means "allow" or "permit." Historical texts trace the Xu surname to descendants of the legendary emperor Zhuanxu, a mythological figure. The state of Xu was granted to a noble who was enfeoffed there, leading to the adoption of the place name as a clan name. Over time, the name spread across China, and various branches developed. The romanization "Hsu" follows the Wade-Giles system, while "Xu" corresponds to Hanyu Pinyin. Today, speakers of Mandarin and other dialects may use either transcription depending on regional conventions. The name is also borne by many overseas Chinese communities, particularly in Taiwan where Wade-Giles spellings remained official longer. Notable bearers include poet Xu Zhimo and actress Xu Jinglei. Meaning: "allow, permit"Origin: Ancient Chinese state of Xu (Henan province, 7th–4th century BC)Usage: Chinese surnameCommon transcriptions: Hsu (Wade-Giles), Xu (Pinyin)