夔
Kui
Pronounced like: "Kway"
Other Spellings: Kui, Kwai, Khui, Guey, Khue
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Kui Family Name
Le nom de famille Kui a deux origines historiques principales. La lignée la plus proéminente descend du nom de famille Mi (芈) de l'État de Chu. Pendant la période des Printemps et des Automnes, Xiong Zhi, un descendant de la famille royale de Chu, fut inféodé à Kui (situé dans l'actuel Zigui, province du Hubei), où il établit l'État de Kui. Après que l'État de Kui fut annexé par l'État de Chu en 634 av. J.-C., la classe dirigeante et ses habitants adoptèrent le nom de leur État disparu comme nom de famille. Une seconde origine remonte à la figure légendaire Kui, qui fut ministre de la Musique sous le mythique empereur Shun. Ses descendants adoptèrent son nom comme nom de famille pour honorer son immense contribution à la culture et à la gouvernance chinoises. De plus, certaines branches proviennent de minorités ethniques du sud-ouest de la Chine.
What Does the Chinese Surname Kui Mean?
Le caractère « Kui » fait principalement référence à une créature légendaire à une jambe dans la mythologie chinoise ancienne, souvent décrite comme une bête ressemblant à un dragon ou à un bœuf associée au tonnerre et aux tempêtes. Selon le « Classique des montagnes et des mers », sa voix était comme le tonnerre et sa peau pouvait être utilisée pour fabriquer des tambours divins. Symboliquement, il représente le pouvoir, l'autorité et les origines divines de la musique, car la figure mythique Kui était le maître de musique de l'empereur Shun. Dans le contexte d'un nom de famille, il signifie une lignée remontant à des hauts fonctionnaires ou à des ancêtres mythiques ayant servi les anciens empereurs. C'est un nom de famille profondément enraciné dans les fondements rituels et mythologiques de la civilisation chinoise primitive, reflétant un lien avec le céleste et l'harmonie rythmique de l'univers.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Kui
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Kui | Mandarin |
| Kwai | Cantonese |
| Khui | Hakka |
| Guey | Wade-Giles |
| Khue | Teochew |
Famous People With the Surname Kui
1. Kui : Une figure légendaire qui a servi comme ministre de la Musique pour le mythique empereur Shun. On lui attribue traditionnellement l'invention de la musique et de la danse capables d'harmoniser les humains avec les esprits et la nature.
2. Kui An : Un général distingué et homme d'État de haut rang pendant la dynastie des Zhao postérieurs de la période des Seize Royaumes, connu pour son leadership militaire sous Shi Le.
3. Kui Xin : Un fonctionnaire respecté sous la dynastie Ming, reconnu pour son intégrité administrative et ses contributions à la gouvernance locale de l'État impérial.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 夔 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.
Looking for a Chinese Name with the Surname Kui?
Use our intelligent generator to find a culturally authentic Chinese name tailored to your preferences.
Perfect Names to Pair with Kui
Explore Related Surnames
Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Kui (夔) mean?+
The character 'Kui' primarily refers to a legendary one-legged creature in ancient Chinese mythology, often described as a dragon-like or ox-like beast associated with thunder and storms. According to the 'Classic of Mountains and Seas,' its voice was like thunder, and its skin was used to make divine drums. Symbolically, it represents power, authority, and the divine origins of music, as the mythical figure Kui was the music master for Emperor Shun. In the context of a surname, it signifies a lineage tracing back to high-ranking officials or mythical ancestors who served ancient emperors. It is a surname deeply rooted in the ritualistic and mythological foundations of early Chinese civilization, reflecting a connection to the celestial and the rhythmic harmony of the universe, often associated with the state or office of music.
How common is the surname Kui?+
The surname Kui ranks approximately #999 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 夔?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Kui. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Kway".
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.