Meaning: The surname 元 (Yuán) carries connotations of origin, beginning, and the first. One of the most accepted origins of the Yuan surname is traced back to Yuan Xian, a noble and virtuous minister of the Shang Dynasty, whose descendants adopted his name as their surname. Another theory suggests it originated from Ji姓, as some descendants of Kang Shu, the ninth son of King Wen of Zhou, were granted the surname 元 when they were enfeoffed in the State of Wei. Additionally, some Yuan surnames arose from the adoption of the surname by foreign ethnic groups.
Won Cheon-seok (元天锡)
A Confucian scholar during the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods, known for his works 'Wild History' and 'Poems of Unhyeongok'.
Yuan Shouxing (元寿兴)
A member of the Northern Wei imperial family, who served as the governor of Xuzhou, was framed for corruption and later exonerated by Empress Dowager Hu, posthumously honored as 'Zhuang'.
Emperor Xiaozhuang of Northern Wei (元子攸)
Emperor of Northern Wei, established by Erzhu Rong, struggled against the Erzhu family, was eventually killed by Erzhu Zhao, posthumously known as Emperor Xiaozhuang.
The surname 元 symbolizes beginnings and origins, with roots tracing back to ancient Chinese nobility and virtuous ministers. It carries a rich historical and cultural significance.