旭（xu）
Name meaning
旭 (xu) means the rising sun and early brightness. In a given name it should suggest fresh beginnings, youthful energy and clear morning light, not simply generic brightness.
Practical naming use
Use 旭 (xu) when the name should feel bright, new and forward moving. It suits study, creative work, public-facing careers, science, education or a child name that should feel like dawn. Pair it with a calmer character to keep the sunrise image human.
Pair 旭 (xu) with characters such as 旭安 (Xuan) Xu'an, 旭文 (Xuwen), 旭远 (Xuyuan) or 旭宁 (Xuning). Avoid stacking it with another sun or blaze character if the name becomes too hot.
旭安 (Xuan): Xu contributes rising sun; An adds peace, safety.
Reference
MOE Idiom Dictionary, 旭日東升 (xu ri dong sheng)
Historical / name-use references
智旭 (Zhixu)
Zhixu (1599-1655), also known as Ouyi Zhixu, was a late Ming Buddhist master. DILA records works under 智旭 (Zhixu), giving direct premodern religious-name evidence for 旭 (Xu).