According to verifiable literature records, it can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty
"Historical Records: Family" records that the surname Yan originated from a clan named Zhuanxu in the Shang Dynasty. Zhuanxu is a legendary figure from ancient times and one of the ancient emperors. During the Shang Dynasty, one of Zhuanxu's descendants was named Yan.
According to archaeological discoveries, tombs with Zhuanxu as the suzerain were unearthed from sites in the Shang Dynasty, which further confirmed the origin of the surname Yan.
"Hanshu·Hundred Officials and Officials List" records the Prime Minister Yan Xian during the Western Han Dynasty. He was a very prestigious official at that time and an important representative of the Yan surname in history.
"The Gengzi Guozhi: The Family of Wusheng Wang" records the story of Yan Jie. Yan Jie is a famous calligrapher. He is one of the four major calligraphers in ancient China. His calligraphy works are known as "Jie Zhuan" and have a profound influence on later calligraphers.
In addition, there are some famous figures with the surname Yan in Chinese history, such as Yan Fa in the fifth century AD and Yan Zha in the sixth century AD.