阙
Traditional: 闕
Que
Pronounced like: "Ch-weh"
Other Spellings: Que, Chueh, Khuat, Kwek, Keuk
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Que Family Name
The surname Que has several distinct historical origins. One major lineage traces back to the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) in the State of Lu. A noble descendant of the Zhou royal family was granted the fief of 'Que Dang' (阙党), and his descendants subsequently adopted the territory's name as their surname. Another branch originated from the 'Que' locality within the State of Qi, where residents used the place name to distinguish their clan identity. Additionally, some historical records suggest the surname was adopted by commoners living near the watchtowers of the imperial palace. Throughout history, the surname also integrated various ethnic minority groups, such as the Di and Qiang peoples, who Sinicized their names during periods of intense cultural exchange. Today, the surname is most concentrated in the Fujian, Hunan, and Jiangsu provinces.
What Does the Chinese Surname Que Mean?
The character 'Que' (阙) primarily refers to the monumental watchtowers or gate towers that stood on either side of the entrance to ancient Chinese palaces or temples. These structures symbolized power, authority, and the boundary between the sacred and the profane. In a broader linguistic sense, the word can also denote a 'gap,' 'omission,' or 'deficiency' in a text or physical structure, suggesting something left open or unfinished for reflection. As a surname, it carries a sense of architectural grandeur and historical gravity, often associated with those who resided near or guarded such significant imperial landmarks. The character itself contains the 'gate' (门) radical, emphasizing its deep-rooted connection to passageways and the structural thresholds of early Chinese civilization.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Que
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Que | Mainland China |
| Chueh | Taiwan/Wade-Giles |
| Khuat | Vietnam |
| Kwek | Hokkien/Teochew |
| Keuk | Korea |
Famous People With the Surname Que
1. Que Xuan: A self-proclaimed 'Emperor' and prominent rebel leader during the late Eastern Han Dynasty who rose against the central government in the province of Xu.
2. Que Han: A distinguished general during the Tang Dynasty known for his exceptional military prowess and his contributions to maintaining stability along the imperial borders.
3. Que Tinghong: A respected scholar and official during the Ming Dynasty, highly recognized for his administrative integrity, judicial fairness, and preserved literary works.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 阙 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 (阙) mean?+
The character 'Que' (阙) primarily refers to the monumental watchtowers or gate towers that stood on either side of the entrance to ancient Chinese palaces or temples. These structures symbolized power, authority, and the boundary between the sacred and the profane. In a broader linguistic sense, the word can also denote a 'gap,' 'omission,' or 'deficiency' in a text or physical structure, suggesting something left open or unfinished for reflection. As a surname, it carries a sense of architectural grandeur and historical gravity, often associated with those who resided near or guarded such significant imperial landmarks. The character itself contains the 'gate' (门) radical, emphasizing its deep-rooted connection to passageways and the structural thresholds of early Chinese civilization.
How common is the surname Que?+
The surname Que ranks approximately #280 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 阙?+
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.