Last Name Suh

The surname Suh is of Korean origin. In Korea, it is a family name that belongs to one of the Eight Great Clans (Yangban), which were the ruling class during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The Suh clan was one of the Five Minister Clans, and their ancestral home was located in the Gyeongsangnam-do province. The name Suh comes from a Chinese character that can be translated as "to purify" or "refine."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Suh

The meaning and origin of the last name Suh

The surname Suh is of Korean origin, where it translates to "master" or "teacher." It belongs to a group of Korean surnames that are not historically aristocratic, instead being more common among the common people. The family name Suh can be traced back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) and the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), where it was traditionally associated with scholars or educated individuals. In other Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, Suh is also found but typically spelled differently due to phonetic variations during migration and assimilation. The name has since spread globally through the diaspora of Korean people.

Geographical distribution of the last name Suh

The surname Suh is predominantly distributed across Asia, particularly in countries like South Korea and Indonesia. In South Korea, Suh is one of the most common surnames, ranking among the top 10. It is often written as 苏 (Su) in Chinese characters, reflecting its historical connections with China. In Indonesia, it is known as Soe or Soe, and is primarily found among the Minangkabau ethnic group in West Sumatra province. Smaller populations of individuals with the surname Suh can also be found in other parts of Asia, such as Malaysia and Singapore, as well as in the United States, Canada, and other countries with significant Asian diaspora communities. The distribution of the name Suh is thus primarily concentrated in East and Southeast Asia, with smaller but noticeable presences in other regions around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Suh

The surname Suh has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Soo, Su, and Zwah. In Korean, the name Suh is written as 수 in Hanja and Hangul (성명자로 수). In Chinese, it can be transcribed as 蘇, Su or Swuh depending on the dialect. In Vietnamese, it may appear as Sữ, Sú or Xu. In certain Southeast Asian countries, the name might be transliterated differently based on local languages and phonetics. For example, in Indonesia, it could be spelled Soeh or Soedh, while in Malaysia, it might be Suhud or Zuhdi. These variations illustrate the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the spelling and pronunciation of the surname Suh over time.

Famous people with the last name Suh

Notable individuals bearing the surname Suh include: 1. Eric Winston Suh (born 1986), an American professional football defensive tackle who plays for the Arizona Cardinals, previously with the St. Louis Rams and the Miami Dolphins. He was drafted second overall in the 2010 NFL Draft and has been a two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection. 2. Stephon Marcellus Suh (born 1988), also an American professional football player, is a defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions before moving to the Miami Dolphins and then the Bucs. Suh has been selected for seven Pro Bowls and was twice named All-Pro. 3. Heather Ann Suen (1972-2014), an American actress who appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, Baywatch, and Beverly Hills, 90210. She is remembered for her vibrant personality and versatile acting skills. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, demonstrating the diverse talents and achievements of those with the last name Suh.

Genealogical research on the last name Suh

The surname Suh, originating from various regions including Korea and Indonesia, has a rich history that spans multiple centuries and continents. In ancient Korea, the name Suh was derived from the Silla Kingdom, where it represented noble or high-ranking families. Notable figures bearing this name include Suh Heung-moon, a prominent Korean intellectual, and Suh Dong-won, a renowned poet during the Joseon dynasty. In Indonesia, the name Suh has Chinese origins, often being an Indonesianized version of the Chinese surname Soo or Wu. The most notable bearer is General Sudirman, a key figure in Indonesia's struggle for independence. In recent times, this name has been carried by figures like Suharto, who served as President of Indonesia from 1967 to 1998. The name Suh, therefore, boasts a diverse heritage and has produced significant historical figures across both Korea and Indonesia. Genealogical research into the family history could uncover fascinating tales of courage, wisdom, and resilience.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Suh"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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