Origin
A Chinese surname listed in the classic Hundred Family Surnames.
Distribution and romanization
Romanized as Dān Yú.
The characters behind the surname
single, individual, only; lone
Structure: 8 strokes; Kangxi radical 24.
in, on, at; go to; surname
Structure: 3 strokes; Kangxi radical 7.
These are the everyday character meanings. A surname’s lineage history can be separate from the literal meaning of its character.
How to pronounce it
The Mandarin reading is Chán Yú. Say the vowel clearly and pay attention to the tone. If you are using the name in a Cantonese-speaking context, the romanization may be different — check the variants above.
Names with this surname
These are example full names using 单于. The link goes to the given-name story, where you can see the character meanings and usage notes.
FAQ
Is 单于 a common surname?
It is less common than names such as 李 or 王, but it is still a real and recognisable surname.
Can I use 单于 as a foreigner?
Yes. A surname is optional, but if you want a full Chinese name, a common surname is a safe place to start. Check the full name out loud and make sure the given name does not create an awkward homophone.
Why are there different spellings?
Romanization is not one system. Mandarin pinyin, Cantonese romanization, and family conventions can all produce different spellings. The variants above are the ones you are most likely to see.
Further reading: Chinese Text Project · Unihan database. These profiles are editorial summaries; specific genealogical claims vary by lineage.