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Origin & History

The surname 言 is derived from the ancient Chinese character for 'speech' or 'word'. It is believed to have originated during the Zhou Dynasty, associated with the role of a 'speech' or 'word' official. It is a relatively common surname in China and among Chinese communities worldwide.

Meaning & Notes

The character 言 represents 'speech', 'word', or 'language'. As a surname, it symbolizes communication, expression, and the power of words. It is often linked to intellectual and linguistic heritage, and is associated with the idea of conveying ideas and information.

Famous People

  • Wang Yiquan (Yan Xingzhi) - Chinese politician
  • Yan Fu - 19th-century Chinese scholar and translator
  • Yan Song - Chinese actor and singer

Tags

commonhistoricalcommunicationlanguage