[Interpretation]

Yang carries the meaning of the "sun." The character is composed of the components "Mu" (木 - wood/tree) and "Yi" (易 - change/light).

• The Sacred Tree: "Mu" refers to the Fusang tree, a divine tree said to grow in Tanggu (the Valley of Hot Springs, also known as the Valley of the Sun) located in the eastern sea.

• The Rising Sun: "Yi" represents the concept of the "sun rising from the Valley of Hot Springs." Together, the character depicts the sun ascending through the branches of the sacred tree.

[Origin]

The surname primarily originates from the Ji clan through two main branches:

• The State of Yang: Shangfu, the younger son of King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty, was enfeoffed in Yang (present-day Hongtong, Shanxi) during the reign of King You of Zhou. He established the State of Yang, which was later annexed by the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period. His descendants adopted the state's name as their surname.

• The Yangshe Lineage: This branch descends from Tu, the grandson of Duke Wu of Jin (of the Ji clan), who was granted the fief of Yangshe. His descendants initially used Yangshe as their clan name.

  • After the State of Jin conquered the original State of Yang, the old territory of Yang was granted to Yangshe Xi (the grandson of Tu).

  • Yangshe Xi, also known by his courtesy name Shuxiang, served as a high official (Dafu) in the State of Jin and was a renowned and virtuous minister. His descendants eventually adopted the name of this new fief (Yang) as their surname.