Yu 3 (俞) is a Chinese surname derived from the character 俞, which means "consent" or "approve" according to its yú element. It is one of the less common Chinese surnames, often romanized as Yu, Yü, or U. The character 俞 also carries connotations of "satisfied" or "content," reflecting a positive disposition. The surname has ancient origins, with legendary ties to the legendary Emperor Yu (大禹), who is celebrated for his flood control efforts in Chinese mythology, though another character is typically used for that name. In modern usage, the surname is found primarily in mainland China and Taiwan, with some diaspora communities in Southeast Asia and beyond. Related surnames include Yu, which encompasses multiple homophonous characters. Historical records from the Eastern Zhou period include individuals with the surname 俞, such as Yu Ji, a physician of the Han dynasty known for his medical skills. The surname is not among the hundred most common, making it distinctive.
Sources: Forebears — yu-3