桂GuiSurname
Guì
Gui (桂) means 'cassia' or 'cinnamon', a fragrant tree symbolizing nobility and success. It is often associated with the laurel of victory and scholarly achievement.
Guì
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#195
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Guangdong, Henan, Sichuan
Five Element Analysis
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The Gui surname has several origins. One major source is the ancient state of Gui in present-day Henan. Another is from the Ji (姬) family of the Zhou Dynasty, where a descendant was granted the title of Gui.
Surname Evolution
The Gui surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Gui clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Gui surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Yantai area, Shandong. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Donglai Commandery (东莱郡) — Modern-day Yantai area, Shandong Province
Hall Title
世德堂 (Gui Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Gui Clan Ancestral Hall in Donglai — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Gui family. The hall serves as a gathering place for clan descendants during traditional festivals such as Qingming and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
积善传家，诗礼继世 — Accumulating goodness passes through the family; poetry and ritual continue.
Famous People with Surname Gui
Gui Yansheng (桂燕生) — Chinese physicist and educator
Gui Lunmei (桂纶镁) — Taiwanese actress
Tone Compatibility
Gui (Guì) is a 4th tone (falling) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and bright
bright and peaceful
vast as ocean and sun
Patterns to Avoid
Each digit is a tone (1=level, 2=rising, 3=dipping, 4=falling). The first is the surname tone; the next two are the given name's tones.
Example Names with Gui
Your Gui Family Legend
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What does the surname Gui mean in Chinese?
The surname Gui (桂) means 'cassia' or 'cinnamon', a fragrant tree symbolizing nobility and success. It is often associated with the laurel of victory and scholarly achievement, representing honor and high status.
Where does the Gui surname originate from?
The Gui surname has several origins. One major source is the ancient state of Gui in present-day Henan province during the Zhou dynasty. Another branch comes from the Gui clan of the Chu state. It was also adopted by descendants of the Gui people, an ancient ethnic group in the south.
Who are some famous people with the surname Gui?
Famous individuals include Gui Youguang (1507–1571), a Ming dynasty essayist; Gui Xia (born 1970), a Chinese actress; and Gui Lunmei (born 1983), a Taiwanese actress. Gui Jiang (born 1964) is a Chinese football player.
What given names go well with the surname Gui?
Names that reflect fragrance, beauty, or achievement suit Gui, such as Gui Xiang (桂香 'fragrant'), Gui Hua (桂花 'flower'), or Gui Lin (桂林 'forest'). The cassia symbolism pairs well with names that evoke elegance and success.