却
Traditional: 卻
Que
Pronounced like: "Ch-weh"
Other Spellings: Chueh, Ke, Kok, Khoh, Que
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Que Family Name
The surname Que predominantly originates from the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). It is a branch of the royal Ji (姬) family, the house of the Zhou Kings. The lineage began when a member of the Jin nobility was granted a fief at a place called Que (located in modern-day Shanxi province). The family rose to immense power, producing the 'Three Ques' (San Que)—Que Qi, Que Chou, and Que Zhi—who served as high-ranking ministers and generals. However, due to their overwhelming influence, they were eventually targeted by rival clans in a political purge known as the 'Disaster of the Three Ques.' Following this tragedy, many descendants changed their surnames to escape persecution, contributing to the surname's rarity today. A secondary origin is linked to ethnic minorities in southwestern China who adopted the name during later dynasties.
What Does the Chinese Surname Que Mean?
The character 'Que' (却) literally translates to 'yet,' 'but,' or 'however' in modern Mandarin Chinese. In its ancient etymological context, the character signifies the act of retreating, stepping back, or declining an offer with grace. It is composed of the radicals for 'valley' or 'mouth' and a 'seal' or 'kneeling person,' historically suggesting a formal gesture of withdrawal or a topographical reference to a specific location. As a surname, it does not carry its modern adverbial meaning but rather serves as a hereditary marker derived from ancestral fiefdoms or noble titles. It represents a lineage with roots in the aristocratic administrative systems of the Zhou Dynasty, symbolizing a family that once held significant territorial and political influence in the central plains of China.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Que
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Chueh | Wade-Giles |
| Ke | Hokkien |
| Kok | Cantonese |
| Khoh | Teochew |
| Que | Pinyin |
Famous People With the Surname Que
1. Que Zhi: A prominent general and minister of the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period, celebrated for his military strategic depth and diplomatic conduct during the wars between Jin and Chu.
2. Que Qi: A high-ranking military commander of the State of Jin who played a decisive role in the Battle of Yanling, where he led the upper army to a significant victory against the rival State of Chu.
3. Que Chou: A senior official and diplomat of the State of Jin, he was a key member of the powerful Que clan and served as a strategic advisor to the Duke of Jin during period of hegemonial expansion.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 却 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 Que (却) mean?+
The character 'Que' (却) literally translates to 'yet,' 'but,' or 'however' in modern Mandarin Chinese. In its ancient etymological context, the character signifies the act of retreating, stepping back, or declining an offer with grace. It is composed of the radicals for 'valley' or 'mouth' and a 'seal' or 'kneeling person,' historically suggesting a formal gesture of withdrawal or a topographical reference to a specific location. As a surname, it does not carry its modern adverbial meaning but rather serves as a hereditary marker derived from ancestral fiefdoms or noble titles. It represents a lineage with roots in the aristocratic administrative systems of the Zhou Dynasty, symbolizing a family that once held significant territorial and political influence in the central plains of China.
How common is the surname Que?+
The surname Que ranks approximately #599 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 却?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Que. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Ch-weh".
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.