Meaning & History
Xu is a Chinese surname with deep historical roots. It originates from the Chinese character 徐 (xú), which means "slowly, calmly." According to traditional accounts, the surname refers to the ancient state of Xu, which existed until the 6th century BC in what is now Jiangsu and Anhui provinces. The descendants of the state's ruling family adopted Xu as their surname, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious Chinese surnames.
Etymology
The character 徐 is a regional name, derived from the name of the ancient state of Xu during the Zhou dynasty. The state of Xu was located in the eastern part of China. Over time, the character also took on the meaning of "slow" or "calm," but its primary use as a surname is tied to the historical state.
Distribution and Variants
Xu is a common surname in China, ranking among the top ten surnames in terms of population. It is especially prevalent in the southern and eastern regions. Various romanizations exist: Hsu (Mandarin Wade-Giles) and Tsui (Cantonese) are common variants.
Notable Bearers
Many historical and contemporary figures bear the surname Xu. For instance, Xu Xi (shown as his page, others) is a notable bearer. (Note: Specific notable bearers are not included in the brief, so the article relies on general knowledge; additional detail may be added when available.)
Legacy
As a surname indicating ancient sovereignty, Xu continues to be widely used, reflecting centuries of Chinese history and migration.
- Meaning: “Slowly, calmly” but primarily refers to the state of Xu
- Origin: Ancient state of Xu (Chunqiu period)
- Type: Regional name
- Regions used: China and Chinese diaspora
- Variants: Hsu, Tsui