Xu or 徐 - The Roots of Chinese Surnames: Exploring Heritage and History
The Xu (徐) surname is deeply rooted in Chinese history, its origins tracing back to the legendary figure Bo Yi.
A tale of remarkable achievements, noble lineage, and enduring legacy, the story of the Xu surname spans millennia, offering a glimpse into the ancient world of Chinese culture and governance.
Bo Yi and the Great Flood
Bo Yi was a trusted assistant to Yu the Great (about 2123 BC — 2025 BC), a figure celebrated for his pivotal role in taming the Great Flood—a disaster that threatened ancient Chinese civilization.
Together, they traversed vast lands and braved treacherous terrains, overcoming innumerable challenges to achieve this monumental task.
Their contributions went beyond flood control.
It is said that Bo Yi and Yu co-authored the renowned Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), a text that documents ancient geography, history, myths, astronomy, flora, fauna, medicine, and religion.
This seminal work laid the foundation for much of Chinese mythology and historical knowledge.
In recognition of their achievements, Emperor Shun (about 2294 BC—2184 BC) honored Bo Yi with a noble title, married his daughter to him, and chose Yu the Great as his successor to lead the nation.
The Founding of the State of Xu
While Yu the Great ascended the throne and founded the Xia Dynasty (about 2070 BC — 1600 BC), he initially designated Bo Yi as his successor.
However, upon Yu’s death, his son Qi seized power.
The circumstances surrounding Bo Yi’s fate remain debated.
Some believe he willingly stepped aside, while others suggest he was killed by Qi.
After Bo Yi’s death, his second son, Ruo Mu, was granted the land of Xu.
There, Ruo Mu established the State of Xu and became revered as the founding ancestor of the Xu surname.
The Rise of the State of Xu
Over generations, the State of Xu flourished, growing into a formidable power. By the end of the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC — 1046 BC), Xu was recognized as a significant rival to the Zhou.
Even after the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC — 256 BC) was established, Xu maintained its strength and frequently clashed with Zhou forces.
The Golden Era of King Yan of Xu
The State of Xu reached its peak during the reign of King Yan of Xu, a leader known for his benevolence and righteousness.
Under his rule, thirty-six neighboring kingdoms paid tribute, recognizing Xu’s leadership and cultural influence.
At the height of its power, King Yan launched an attack on the Zhou capital.
In retaliation, King Mu of Zhou (? — about 922 BC) led his forces to defeat Xu’s army. King Yan fled, with some accounts claiming he was killed in battle, while others suggest he lived in exile.
Despite the defeat, Xu’s legacy endured. King Yan’s son was reinstated by King Mu as the new lord of Xu, ensuring the continuity of governance in the land of Xu.
The Fall of the State of Xu
In 512 BCE, the State of Xu faced its final challenge when it refused to hand over two fugitive princes from the State of Wu.
This defiance provoked the Wu king to dispatch two legendary military strategists, Wu Zixu (about 559 BC — 484 BC) and Sun Wu (about 545 BC — 470 BC) (the author of The Art of War), to lead a campaign against Xu.
The conflict resulted in the fall of the State of Xu, ending a kingdom that had endured for 44 generations over roughly 1,600 years.
Though the kingdom fell, it left behind a rich history and culture that would continue to inspire its descendants.
The Xu Surname: A Timeless Legacy
After the fall of the State of Xu, its descendants adopted “Xu” as their surname and dispersed across China.
Today, the Xu surname is carried by millions of people, serving as a symbol of their ancestors’ resilience and illustrious heritage.
From conquering the Great Flood to building a powerful kingdom and creating a lasting cultural legacy, the Xu lineage stands as a testament to endurance, innovation, and nobility—shining brightly as a timeless gem in the annals of Chinese history.
