Yuwen Surname

Surname Overview

Compound Surname and Current Overview

Yuwen is a compound surname. Its current population is about 21,000, ranking 551st among Chinese surnames, with small concentrations in Beijing, Henan, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Sichuan, and Taiwan.

Reference: 姓氏文化：宇文姓_北周_时期_部落

Origins

Two Main Origins

One line traces to the Yuwen tribe descended from the Southern Xiongnu Chanyu of Liaodong during the Wei and Jin periods and represents Sinicization by surname change. Another traces to the descendants of Northern Zhou ministers Zhao Wenbiao and Zhao Chang, both granted the surname Yuwen by Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou.

Reference: 姓氏文化：宇文姓_北周_时期_部落

Historical Records

Historical Records and Name Interpretation

The Book of Zhou records that the Yuwen tribe originated from Shennong. Later historians regarded the interpretation that Yuwen means “Son of Heaven” as far-fetched.

Reference: 姓氏文化：宇文姓_北周_时期_部落

Migration and Distribution

The Yuwen surname was active in the northwest in its early period, gradually moving southward and inward during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. It was distributed in Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Luoyang in Henan; in the Tang dynasty it spread throughout the Central Plains, and after the Song dynasty it became uncommon.

Reference: 姓氏文化：宇文姓_北周_时期_部落

Notable People

Yuwen Tai, Founder of Northern Zhou

Yuwen Tai (505–556) was a general of Northern Wei and Western Wei who served as Grand Preceptor, Grand Chancellor, and Pillar-General of Western Wei. He laid the foundation for the establishment of Northern Zhou and was posthumously honored as Emperor Wen after its founding.

Reference: 姓氏文化：宇文姓_北周_时期_部落