You Surname

Surname Overview

You is an ancient surname with multiple ethnic and ancestral origins. It has a small population, and its prominent lineage was associated with Donghai Commandery.

Reference: 有姓_有姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

The surname has five recorded origins: descendants of Youchaoshi; the Ming-era surname change of You Rixing after an imperial grant; descendants of Ran Qiu adopting his courtesy name; descendants of Qin-Han officials called Youzhi adopting the official title; and descendants of Liao officials called Yousili adopting the sinicized surname You.

Reference: 有姓-有姓来源-有姓读音-有姓名人

Historical Records

Documentary and Regional Records

The surname is recorded in the Clan Records of Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi. It is found today in places including Huolu and Yuxian in Hebei, Pingyi in Shandong, Taiyuan in Shanxi, and Lushui in Yunnan, among both Han and Lisu people.

Reference: 有姓_有姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commandery and Hall Names

The surname's commandery association is Donghai Commandery. Its hall names include Donghai Hall and Pingyin Hall, both established from the commandery association.

Reference: 有姓_有姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

The surname has become very uncommon over roughly the past six centuries. It is currently found among more than three thousand people nationwide, and Donghai Commandery was located around present-day Tancheng, Shandong.

Reference: 有姓_有姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

You Ruo was a native of Lu in the late Spring and Autumn period, styled Zi You, a disciple of Confucius and one of the Seventy-Two Worthies. During the Hongwu era of the Ming dynasty, You Rixing was granted the addition of 宀 to 有 for his service and changed his surname to You with the character 宥.

Reference: 有姓_有姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

Limits of Early Origin Evidence

The specific date and historical circumstances of Youchaoshi cannot be established by specific historical materials.

Reference: 有姓_有姓的来源和历史_百家姓