Explanation of the Xu Clan Totem

Meaning

Xu (徐) is interchangeable with the character Yu (余).

In oracle‑bone script, both characters resemble the shape of a bird’s nest.

Origin

Ruomu, son of Bo Yi, was enfeoffed in Xu, where he established the State of Xu.

The State of Xu existed as a vassal state throughout the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.

By the time of King Mu of Zhou, the 32nd‑generation descendant Xu Jun Yan proclaimed himself King Yan of Xu and resided in Pengcheng (modern‑day Xuzhou). His son Zong held the title Viscount of Xu and governed the state.

When the state passed down to Zhang Yu, the 11th‑generation descendant of Zong, Xu was conquered by the State of Wu.

The surviving descendants adopted Xu as their surname, taking the name of their former state.

Ancestral Founder of the Surname

Xu Ruomu

Ancestral Homeland

Xuzhou, Jiangsu

Prominent Clans / Halls

• Donghai, Langya

• Donghai Hall, Gaoping Hall

Modern Ranking / Population

• 11th most common surname in China

• Approximately 19.3 million people

Ranking in the Song Dynasty’s Hundred Family Surnames

• 150th

Existing Genealogies

• 1,190 volumes preserved today