妫
Traditional: 媯
Gui
Pronounced like: "Gway"
Other Spellings: Kwai, Gui, Kuei, Gwee, Koy
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Gui Family Name
The origin of the 'Gui' surname is traced back to the legendary Emperor Shun, one of the Five Emperors of ancient China. According to historical records like the 'Records of the Grand Historian,' Shun was born and lived near the Gui River (located in present-day Shanxi Province). His descendants adopted the name of the river as their clan name to honor their illustrious ancestor. Following the rise of the Zhou Dynasty, King Wu of Zhou granted the land of Chen to Gui Man, a descendant of Emperor Shun, who became Duke Hu of Chen. Consequently, the 'Gui' surname serves as the primary root for several major modern surnames, including Chen, Hu, Tian, Yuan, and Che, making it a foundational pillar of Chinese genealogical history dating back over 4,000 years.
What Does the Chinese Surname Gui Mean?
The surname 'Gui' (妫) holds a prestigious place in Chinese history as one of the 'Eight Ancient Surnames of High Antiquity.' It is deeply connected to the geography of ancient China, specifically the Gui River. The character itself features the 'woman' (女) radical, which is a hallmark of the oldest Chinese surnames, reflecting the matrilineal roots of early tribal societies. In Chinese culture, 'Gui' symbolizes a direct ancestral link to the dawn of civilization and the legendary sovereigns who established the moral and social foundations of the nation. It represents a heritage of virtue, natural harmony, and the enduring continuity of bloodlines that have branched out into many of the most common surnames found in modern China today, such as Chen and Hu.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Gui
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Kwai | Cantonese |
| Gui | Mandarin |
| Kuei | Wade-Giles |
| Gwee | Hokkien |
| Koy | Hakka |
Famous People With the Surname Gui
1. Emperor Shun: A legendary leader of ancient China renowned for his filial piety and for being chosen by Emperor Yao to succeed him based on merit and virtue.
2. Gui Man (Duke Hu of Chen): The founding monarch of the State of Chen during the Western Zhou period, recognized as the common ancestor of the Chen and Hu lineages.
3. Gui Zhong: A notable historical figure from the early dynastic transitions, credited with maintaining the ancestral rites and cultural continuity of the Gui clan.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 妫 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Gui (妫) mean?+
The surname 'Gui' (妫) holds a prestigious place in Chinese history as one of the 'Eight Ancient Surnames of High Antiquity.' It is deeply connected to the geography of ancient China, specifically the Gui River. The character itself features the 'woman' (女) radical, which is a hallmark of the oldest Chinese surnames, reflecting the matrilineal roots of early tribal societies. In Chinese culture, 'Gui' symbolizes a direct ancestral link to the dawn of civilization and the legendary sovereigns who established the moral and social foundations of the nation. It represents a heritage of virtue, natural harmony, and the enduring continuity of bloodlines that have branched out into many of the most common surnames found in modern China today, such as Chen and Hu.
How common is the surname Gui?+
The surname Gui ranks approximately #599 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 妫?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Gui. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Gway".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.