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Last Name Yueh

What is the origin of the last name Yueh?

The surname Yueh, also spelled as Yew, is of Chinese origin. It belongs to the Hakka ethnic group and is a part of their traditional family names. The Hakka people have origins from Eastern China and migrated southward during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and continued through the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD). The surname Yueh can be translated as "fish" in Chinese, specifically referring to a type of fish known as Carp. In Mandarin Chinese, it is pronounced as 裕. The Hakka people have their own dialects and pronunciations, which may differ slightly from the standard Mandarin pronunciation. It's worth noting that surnames in China were traditionally passed down from father to son, and a person's family name is of great importance in Chinese culture as it represents one's lineage and ancestry.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yueh

The meaning and origin of the last name Yueh

The surname Yueh is of Chinese origin, specifically from the Min Nan (Hokkien) dialect group spoken in southern Fujian province. The name can be traced back to the Yue dynasty that ruled the region over two thousand years ago. The character 岳 (Yuè) in traditional Chinese characters or 岚 (Yuè) in simplified Chinese, which means "lofty" or "exalted," is believed to be the source of this surname. Over time, due to various dialectical variations and historical changes, it evolved into the form Yueh or Yu in many Chinese communities around the world. The surname Yueh is common among Hokkien-speaking populations, particularly in Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yueh

The surname Yueh, while predominantly Chinese, has a dispersed geographical distribution due to migration and diaspora over several centuries. Originating from the Sichuan province in China, it is most commonly found in areas with significant Chinese populations, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Malaysia. In recent times, due to migration, Yueh has also become a common surname in various Western countries, particularly North America, Australia, and Europe, where Chinese immigrants have settled. Notably, the Yueh clan is one of the "Four Great Clans" of Sichuan, historically recognized for their contributions to Chinese culture and politics.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yueh

The surname Yueh has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variants include:

1. Yuh - A phonetic spelling of the Mandarin pronunciation, which is closer to the original Chinese characters.
2. You - Another phonetic variation, often found in English-speaking countries.
3. Eu - A Portuguese variant, likely influenced by immigrants from Macau or other Portuguese territories.
4. Yew - While not directly related, this spelling can sometimes be found due to homophonic similarities and misinterpretations.
5. Yue - This is a more rare variation, possibly reflecting a Cantonese pronunciation of the name.
6. Wei (Wey) - An alternate Mandarin pronunciation that may have been assimilated into English orthography differently than Yueh.
7. Yeh/Yay - These are phonetic variations often found in informal settings or among non-native speakers of English.

It's essential to note that the correct spelling can depend on various factors, such as the individual's country of origin and their family's specific pronunciation preferences.

Famous people with the last name Yueh

Prominent individuals with the surname Yueh include:

1. Adrian Yueh, a British actor and writer who has appeared in various British television series such as "Spaced," "Coupling," and "The Office."
2. Chang Yueh-sing, a Taiwanese businessman and philanthropist known for founding the Uni-President Enterprises Corporation, one of Taiwan's largest conglomerates.
3. James Yueh, a renowned physicist who worked on the development of the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology at General Electric.
4. Liang-li Yueh, a Taiwanese scholar and educator who served as the president of National Taiwan Normal University from 1976 to 1980.
5. Yueh Feng, a Chinese physicist who made significant contributions to the field of plasma physics. He is particularly known for his work on magnetohydrodynamics and controlled nuclear fusion.

Genealogical research on the last name Yueh

The surname Yueh, also spelled as Yu, Yuh, or You, is of Chinese origin and belongs to the Hakka ethnic group. It is derived from the Hakka dialect word "yu" which means "swallow." The name was originally a nickname given to someone who resembled a swallow or lived in a place where swallows frequented.

Historically, the Yueh clan migrated from their ancestral homeland in central China to southern provinces like Guangdong and Fujian during the Song Dynasty due to overpopulation and political instability. The Hakka people are known for their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, which contributed to the global dispersal of the Yueh family.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, members of the Yueh family emigrated from China to Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania, establishing communities in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

In conclusion, the surname Yueh has a rich history tracing back to ancient China, with a significant number of its bearers migrating worldwide over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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