由

Origin & History

The surname '由' is derived from the ancient Chinese character '由', which originally meant 'to follow' or 'to proceed'. It is one of the more common surnames in China, with origins tracing back to the Zhou Dynasty. The surname is associated with the idea of continuity and succession, reflecting the role of the character in ancient Chinese philosophy and governance.

Meaning & Notes

The surname '由' signifies a lineage that follows or proceeds in a continuous manner. It embodies the concept of order and the idea of being in a sequence, often linked to the philosophical and administrative aspects of ancient Chinese society. The character is also used in the name of the 'Yóu' river, which is a significant geographical feature in China.

Famous People

• Yao Yilin (You Yilin) - Chinese-American actor
• You Xiang - Chinese politician and diplomat
• You Xian - Chinese writer and poet

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