归GuiSurname
Guī
Gui (归) means 'to return' or 'to belong to' in Chinese. It symbolizes homecoming, allegiance, and restoration. As a surname, it is uncommon but carries a deep sense of loyalty and tradition.
Guī
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#404
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Sichuan, Henan, Jiangsu
Five Element Analysis
Fire
passion, energy, and leadership
Origin & History
The Gui surname has several origins. One branch descends from the ancient state of Gui (归) during the Xia Dynasty. Another comes from the name of a fief granted to descendants of the Yellow Emperor. Additionally, some families adopted Gui after the Song Dynasty as a shortened form of compound surnames.
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 Baoding area, Hebei. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Zhongshan Commandery (中山郡) — Modern-day Baoding area, Hebei Province
Hall Title
永思堂 (Gui Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Gui Clan Ancestral Hall in Zhongshan — 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
勤俭传家，耕读继世 — Diligence and thrift pass through the family; farming and learning continue.
Famous People with Surname Gui
Gui Youguang (归有光) — Ming Dynasty prose writer and scholar
Gui Zhuang (归庄) — Ming-Qing transition poet and painter
Gui Yaguang (归亚蕾) — Modern Taiwanese actress
Tone Compatibility
Gui (Guī) is a 1st tone (high-level) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
bright and grand
vast and auspicious
bright as the 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 (归) means 'to return' or 'to belong to' in Chinese. It symbolizes homecoming, allegiance, and restoration. The character 归 conveys a sense of coming back to one's roots or rightful place. As a surname, it is uncommon but carries a deep sense of loyalty and tradition.
Where does the Gui surname originate from?
The Gui surname has several origins. One branch descends from the ancient state of Gui (归) during the Zhou Dynasty, located in present-day Hubei province. Another origin is from the name of a fief granted to a noble named Gui (归). Additionally, some Gui families trace their roots to the surname of the legendary emperor Shun, who was said to have returned to his homeland. It is also used among some ethnic minorities.
Who are some famous people with the surname Gui?
1. Gui Youguang (归有光) - Ming dynasty writer and essayist, known for his prose works. 2. Gui Fu (归附) - a historical figure from the Tang Dynasty, known for his loyalty. 3. Gui Zhen (归真) - a modern Chinese artist, known for her traditional ink paintings.
What given names go well with the surname Gui?
Given names for Gui often highlight return, loyalty, or virtue. For example, Gui Xin (归心) means 'returning heart,' and Gui Yuan (归原) means 'return to origin.' Names like Gui De (归德) or Gui Ren (归仁) convey virtue and benevolence. Avoid names that suggest departure or separation, as they contradict the surname's meaning.