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July 17, 2016

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Yans known for scholars, statesmen

PEOPLE surnamed Yan are believed to be adept with both the pen and the sword. Additionally, many well-known figures with this name have distinguished themselves through filial piety and aloofness from politics and material pursuits.

There are estimated to be 2.2 million people surnamed Yan in China, making it the 94th most common name in the country.

The origin of Yan family is quite complicated and can be traced back to five different sources. Many Yans were from other families but later changed their surnames.

The family of Zhuang was one of them. When a Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) emperor named Liu Zhuang came to power, the Zhuang family could no longer keep their surnames, since it was a taboo for ordinary residents to use any character in an emperor’s names. The family changed their surname to Yan. Some of their descendants changed back to Zhuang during the Wei, Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties (AD 220-589), while others did not. For quite a long time, it is forbidden for members of the Zhuang family to marry the Yans in case of inbreeding.

Another branch of the Yans includes the politician Yan Junji in the Warring States Period (475 BC-221 BC). Yan was a master of foreign affairs and military at the time.

There were also families surnamed Yan originating from the family of Mi, who became royalty after the rise of King Zhuang of Chu (613 BC-591 BC).

There were also people surnamed Yan among minorities like the Dingling (a nomadic tribe in ancient China), the Manchu and Chaoxian.

Before the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC), the Yans were mainly gathered in China’s northwest. In the Wei and Jin dynasties, Yan family had expanded to become one of the noble families in Shanxi and Gansu provinces.

Nowadays Yan has become a common southern surname.

According to historical records, the first monk of Han ethnicity in China was named Yan Fodiao. He is believed to have been born between AD 117 to AD 197. He was also a celebrated translator of Buddhist texts.

Another well-known Yan is the intellectual Yan Fu (1854-1921). He systematically introduced western sociology, politics, philosophy and natural science to China and translated many famous works including “Evolution and Ethics” by Thomas Henry Huxley. Yan was also one of the few Chinese of his day who had the opportunity to travel to the Western world.




 

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