Meaning: The surname 阎 (Yán) originates from the Ji clan, a branch of the Zhou Dynasty's ruling family. It is derived from the place name 阎乡, where descendants of Kang Shu, a brother of King Wu of Zhou, were granted land. Some variations of the surname also come from少数民族 (minority ethnic groups) who adopted the name during historical assimilation.
Sorting of Chinese Surnames:No.77 Sung version of the Hundred Surnames: NO.327 place
Yan Yingyuan (阎应元)
A Ming Dynasty loyalist hero who defended Jiangyin against the Qing army for 81 days before falling and dying.
Yan Yudao (阎与道)
A scholar and official from Poyang during the Northern Song Dynasty, who passed the imperial examination in 1091 and served as the magistrate of Wuxi County.
Yan Shike (阎世科)
A Ming Dynasty official from Taiyuan, Jinshi in the Wanli era, served as a judge in Huzhou and a minister in the Ministry of Revenue.
'阎' is a surname with deep roots in ancient Chinese nobility and mythology. It’s tied to the Zhou Dynasty and has connections to both royal lineage and the mystical underworld.