Origins
Two State-Name Origins
The Yan surname chiefly has Ji and Jié origins: Zhao Gongshi was enfeoffed in Northern Yan, and Boshou in Southern Yan; after both states fell, their descendants adopted the state name as their surname.
Reference: 燕姓起源分布与家谱家族
Other Lineages
Recorded additional lineages include the Han dynasty Liu Han Yan kingdom, the Cao Wei Yan kingdom, the Western Jin Sima Yan kingdom, Yan states established by the Xianbei Murong people during the Sixteen Kingdoms period, and the Jie Yan kingdom of the late Tang and Five Dynasties. Manchu people also adopted Yan as a sinicized surname.
Reference: 燕姓_燕姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Historical Records
Documentary Attestations
The Yan surname is included in Zheng Qiao's Zheng Tongzhi: Clan Records; related records also appear in Guangyun and the Book of the Later Han, Xianbei Account. Historical figures include Yan Cang, Yan Yuan, Yan Zixian, Yan Qinrong, and Yan Su.
Reference: 燕姓_燕姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies and Hall Names
The Yan surname's recorded commanderies include Shanggu, Fanyang, and Wuxing; its hall names include Shanggu Hall, Fanyang Hall, Wuxing Hall, and Summoning the Worthy Hall.
Reference: 燕姓_燕姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Migration and Distribution
Historical Distribution
In the Song dynasty, the Yan surname was concentrated mainly in Shandong, followed by Gansu, Henan, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. In the Ming dynasty, its population was about 20,000, with Jiangxi becoming the province with the largest distribution, followed by Shandong, Hunan, Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, and Sichuan.
Reference: 燕姓起源分布与家谱家族
Notable People
Historical Figures
Yan Ji was a disciple of Confucius in the Spring and Autumn period. Yan Da, Yan Su, and Yan Wengui are recorded respectively as a Song-dynasty military commander, an inventor, and a Northern Song painter.
Reference: 燕姓_燕姓的来源和历史_百家姓
