Surname Overview
Overview
The Yu surname has two main lineages, from the Gui and Ji surnames, with histories of at least about 3,500 years and about 2,600 years respectively.
Yu Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 313,997Yu / Yü
Origins
Two Lineages
The Gui branch derives from the Youyu clan and Yucheng, while the Ji branch derives from Xiyu, granted to Yuzhong; descendants of both branches took the state name as their surname.
Historical Records
Early Attestation
The Xingzuan records that Shun was known as Yu after ruling All under Heaven, and that Shangjun was enfeoffed in Yu, after which his descendants took Yu as their surname.
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commanderies and Halls
The Yu surname has the commanderies of Kuaiji, Chenliu, and Jiyang, and hall names including Wujue and Zunbai. Wujue Hall was named for Yu Shinan's excellence in virtue, loyalty, learning, literary composition, and calligraphy.
Migration and Distribution
During the Eastern and Western Jin period, warfare and Sima Rui's relocation of the capital led many Yu families southward to Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Hunan; today Zhejiang has the largest concentration.
Notable People
Historical Figure
Yu Shinan was a Tang-dynasty calligrapher and writer who became Director of the Palace Library. He was named one of the early Tang's Four Great Calligraphers with Ouyang Xun, Chu Suiliang, and Xue Ji, and compiled the Beitang Shuchao.
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Surname attestation references
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