Chinese Surname
Meaning: The surname 严 (Yán) originates from the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period. It is said that descendants of King Zhuang of Chu took the surname 庄 (Zhuāng), which was later changed to 严 (Yán) to avoid the name taboo of Emperor Ming of Han. Another theory suggests that 严 (Yán) stems from the姜 (Jiāng) clan, descendants of the legendary Yan Emperor. Throughout history, many intellectuals and scholars have borne this surname, such as the Tang Dynasty poet Yan Wei and the Song Dynasty literary figure Yan Yu.
严
Sorting of Chinese Surnames:No.94 Sung version of the Hundred Surnames: NO.27 place
Yan Zun (严遵)
a Taoist philosopher during the Western Han Dynasty, known for his divination practices and authorship of 'Daode Zhenjing Zhigui'.
Yan Song (严嵩)
a powerful official during the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing era, notorious for his sycophancy and political purges.
Yan Ximeng (严希孟)
A Song Dynasty scholar from Rugao, known for his mastery of literature, history, poetry, and his remarkable filial piety towards his mother.
The surname 严 (Yán) carries a sense of seriousness and dignity. It has roots in ancient royalty and has been borne by many prominent scholars and poets throughout Chinese history.
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