Xu

الأصل والتاريخ

This Xu (許) is distinct from the Xu (徐) at rank 11. It originates from Xu You, a legendary hermit sage who refused to accept the throne offered by Emperor Yao, preferring to wash his ears in the river after hearing the offer. An official lineage traces it to the state of Xu (許) in Henan, which was established by the descendants of Jiang Ziya's ally Wenshu. The surname is common in Fujian and Taiwan.