Interpretation of the Yu Clan Totem 

[Definition] "Yu" (余) is a compound pictograph representing an object, sharing the same original meaning as "She" (舍 - shelter/house). Scholar Xu Zhongshu noted: "It depicts a primitive dwelling where wooden pillars support a roof." The Shuowen Jiezi defines it as "an easy extension of speech," noting its pronunciation.

[Origin] During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a high official in the State of Qin named You Yu. His ancestors were from the State of Jin but fled to the Rong (an ancient ethnic group in the northwest) to escape turmoil. He originally served as an official for the Rong but later defected to the State of Qin, where he was treated with great respect and held in high regard by Duke Mu of Qin. In the campaign against the King of Rong in 623 BC, he made significant contributions to expanding Qin's territory (capital located southeast of present-day Fengxiang, Shaanxi) and establishing its dominance over the Western Rong tribes. His descendants adopted his name as their surname, forming the two distinct clans of "You" (由) and "Yu" (余).

• Ancestral Founder: You Yu

• Ancestral Homeland: Fengxiang, Shaanxi

• Prefectural Seats (Junwang) and Hall Names: Xiapi, Xin'an; Qingyan Hall

• Current Ranking / Population: 40th / Approx. 6.33 million

• Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank: 90th

• Extant Genealogical Records: 402 volumes