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Kui

Kuí

Kui (隗) means 'high and steep' or 'lofty'. It symbolizes strength, elevation, and prominence. It is also an ancient surname associated with the Kui star in Chinese astrology.

2nd tone — rising
Q:

What does the Chinese surname Kui (Kuí) 隗 mean?

A:

隗 Kui (Kuí) is the #313 most common Chinese surname with approximately Under 1 million people. Kui (隗) means 'high and steep' or 'lofty'. It symbolizes strength, elevation, and prominence. It is also an ancient surname associated with the Kui star in Chinese astrology.

Ranked #313Under 1 million peopleElement: Water

Population Ranking

#313

Estimated Under 1 million people

Geographic Distribution

Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Henan

Five Element Attribute

💧

Water

wisdom, flexibility, and adaptability

Totem of Kui clan

The ancient totem of clan

白文印 (Yin seal)

Origin & History

The Kui surname originates from the state of Kui during the Zhou Dynasty, which was located in present-day Hubei. It is also derived from the name of a mountain, Kui Shan, and from the Kui people, an ancient ethnic group.

Geographic Distribution

High concentration
Moderate
Low / Other

Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Henan

Surname Evolution

The Kui surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Kui clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Kui surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Nanyang, Henan. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Commandery

Nanyang Commandery (南阳郡) — Modern-day Nanyang, Henan Province

Hall Title

崇本堂 (Kui Clan)

Ancestral Hall

Kui Clan Ancestral Hall in Nanyang — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Kui 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

忠孝传家,仁德继世 — Loyalty and filial piety pass through the family; benevolence and virtue continue.

Famous People Named Kui

1

Kui Kui (隗魁) — Legendary figure in the Classic of Mountains and Seas

2

Kui Tong (隗通) — Han Dynasty scholar

3

Kui Xi (隗禧) — Three Kingdoms period official

Tone Compatibility

Kui (Kuí) is a 2nd tone (rising) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.

Recommended Patterns

  • 2-1-4
  • 2-3-4
  • 2-4-2

Patterns to Avoid

  • 2-2-2 (flat rhythm)
  • 2-1-1 (abrupt start)

Popular Kui Name Combinations

Example Names with Kui

Your Kui Family Legend

The Kui (隗) clan traces its roots back through millennia of Chinese history. The Kui surname originates from the state of Kui during the Zhou Dynasty, which was located in present-day Hubei. It is also derived from the name of a mountain, Kui Shan, and from the Kui people, an ancient ethnic group. As the #313 surname in China, the Kui family has shaped the nation's destiny for generations. The Kui surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. "忠孝传家,仁德继世 — Loyalty and filial piety pass through the family; benevolence and virtue continue." — this ancient family motto has guided the Kui clan through centuries of triumph and adversity. Notable bearers of the Kui name include Kui Kui (隗魁) and Kui Tong (隗通), whose legacies continue to inspire descendants around the world today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the surname 隗 Kui mean in Chinese?

隗 Kui (Kuí) is the #313 most common Chinese surname. Kui (隗) means 'high and steep' or 'lofty'. It symbolizes strength, elevation, and prominence. It is also an ancient surname associated with the Kui star in Chinese astrology.

Where does the 隗 Kui surname originate from?

The Kui surname originates from the state of Kui during the Zhou Dynasty, which was located in present-day Hubei. It is also derived from the name of a mountain, Kui Shan, and from the Kui people, an ancient ethnic group.

Who are some famous people with the surname 隗 Kui?

Notable people include Kui Kui (隗魁) — Legendary figure in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, Kui Tong (隗通) — Han Dynasty scholar, Kui Xi (隗禧) — Three Kingdoms period official.

How many people have the surname 隗 Kui in China?

The surname Kui is ranked #313 in China with approximately Under 1 million people. Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Henan

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