Meaning: The surname 颜 originates from the ancient state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period. It traces back to Gongsun Guifu, a noble whose descendants adopted the name of their fief, 颜 (Yán), after being granted the territory of Yanyi (modern-day Qufu, Shandong). The character 颜 originally means 'countenance' or 'appearance', reflecting its connection to the visual aspect of identity.
Sorting of Chinese Surnames:No.118 Sung version of the Hundred Surnames: NO.143 place
Yan Yanzhi (颜延之)
a renowned literary figure of the Liu Song dynasty, known for his literary works and the collection 'Yan Guanglu Ji'.
Yan Qi (颜岐)
a Southern Song Dynasty official from Pengcheng, known for opposing Li Gang's appointment as chancellor.
Yan Zheng (颜正)
An official of the Ming Dynasty, who achieved the Jinshi degree in 1454 and served as the Vice Commissioner of Military Defense in Sichuan.
'颜' is a surname steeped in ancient Chinese nobility, originating from the fiefdoms of the Spring and Autumn period. It carries the meaning of 'countenance,' symbolizing the visual identity passed down through generations.